Question

An electric dipole is held at an angle `theta` in a uniform electric field E. Will there be any (i) net translating force (ii) torque acting on in ? Explain.

Answer 1

(i) There will be no net translating force.
(ii) Torque on the dipole `: tau = pE sin theta`. It will align the dipole along the filed. Once the dipole in aligned, `tau = 0`. For detail, refer to `Art.1 (b) .17`