An electric dipole of dipole moment vec p is placed in a uniform electric field vec E. Find the maximum torque experienced by the dipole.

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When an electric dipole of dipole moment vector p is placed in a uniform electric field vector E, it experiences a torque given by the formula:

τ = p × E

where τ is the torque vector, p is the dipole moment vector, and E is the electric field vector.

The magnitude of the torque is given by:

|τ| = p E sin θ

where θ is the angle between the dipole moment vector and the electric field vector.

The maximum torque occurs when the dipole moment vector is perpendicular to the electric field vector, i.e., when θ = 90 degrees. In this case, sin θ = 1, and the magnitude of the torque is:

|τ|max = p E

Therefore, the maximum torque experienced by the dipole is equal to the product of the dipole moment and the electric field strength.

Electric Dipole in External Field

Electric Dipole in External Field

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