An electric dipole of dipole moment p is lying along uniform electric field E. Calculate the work done in rotating the dipole by 90 degrees.

Jasmine Grover logo

Jasmine Grover

Education Journalist | Study Abroad Lead

Ques: An electric dipole of dipole moment p is lying along uniform electric field E. Calculate the work done in rotating the dipole by 90 degrees.

Ans: The work done in rotating the dipole by 90 degrees when dipole moment is lying along uniform electric field is “pE”. 

Explanation: The potential energy of an electric dipole in a uniform electric field is given by an expression: U = -pEcosθ.

Initially, the dipole moment is aligned with the electric field, so θ = 0, and the potential energy is:

U1 = -pEcos0 = -pE

When the dipole is rotated by 90 degrees, the angle between the dipole moment and the electric field becomes θ = 90 degrees, and the potential energy becomes:

U2 = -pEcos90 = 0

The change in potential energy is then equal to the work done

Work Done = ΔU = U2 - U1 = 0 - (-pE) = pE

electric dipole of dipole moment p is lying along uniform electric field E

Therefore, the potential energy of the dipole in rotating it by 90 degrees is pE.

CBSE CLASS XII Related Questions

  • 1.
    Read the following paragraph and answer the questions that follow.
    A p-type or n-type semiconductor can be converted into a p-n junction by doping it with suitable impurity. The motion of majority charge carriers causes diffusion current across the junction while the barrier electric field causes motion of minority carriers for drift current. In case of unbiased diode, the diffusion and drift currents are equal. This equilibrium is disturbed by the biasing batteries. Diodes, therefore, allow currents in one direction. This property of diode is used in making rectifiers.


      • 2.
        Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor of plate area A and plate separation d with air present between the plates.


          • 3.
            A charged particle $+q$ in an electric field $\vec{E}$ experiences a force in the direction of the electric field. As a result, its kinetic energy changes. Similarly, the charged particle also experiences a force when it moves in a magnetic field $\vec{B}$. But this magnetic force is perpendicular to both velocity $\vec{v}$ of the charged particle and the magnetic field $\vec{B}$, so it cannot change the kinetic energy of the charged particle. Consider two charged particles 1 and 2 of masses $m$ and $\frac{m}{2}$ having charges $-q$ and $+2q$ respectively. They are accelerated from rest through the same potential difference $V$ and acquire kinetic energy $K_1$ and $K_2$. Then they enter in a region of uniform magnetic field $\vec{B}$ perpendicular to their velocities.


              • 4.
                This ‘average velocity’ is found be few mm/s for currents in range of a few amperes. How then is current established almost the instant a circuit is closed ?


                  • 5.
                    A student sets up the circuit as shown in the figure to find the value of unknown resistance X and records a set of readings of the voltmeter and the ammeter by using the rheostat.


                      • 6.
                        An electric field $\vec{E}$ is established across the ends of a cylindrical conductor of length L and area of cross-section A. Discuss how electrons attain an average velocity, independent of time. Hence, obtain a relation between current in the conductor and this ‘average velocity’ of electrons.

                          CBSE CLASS XII Previous Year Papers

                          Comments


                          No Comments To Show