An electric dipole is placed in a non uniform electric field, then _________.

A The resultant force acting on the dipole may be zero.
B The resultant force acting on the dipole is always zero.
C Torque acting on it may be zero.
D Torque acting on it is always zero.

Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(C) Torque acting on it may be zero.

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Torque acting on a dipole is given by \(\tau = p \times E\). Torque is zero if the electric dipole moment \(p\) is parallel or anti-parallel to the electric field \(E\). This is always a possible orientation for a dipole in any electric field, uniform or non-uniform.

Apply the relevant identity from the chapter and substitute the values established in the previous step, keeping the original constraint in view.

Use the simplified expression to isolate the unknown, then plug the result back into the question setup to confirm the working is internally consistent.

Cross-check against a boundary or limiting case. Both the dimensional balance and the qualitative behaviour at the extreme should agree with the candidate answer.

Combine the steps above to identify the correct option. The remaining choices each fail at least one of the consistency, dimensional, or boundary checks.

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