Question

An electric dipole is placed in a uniform electric field. The net electric force on the dipole

• A. is always zero
• B. depends on the orientation of the dipole
• C. can never be zero
• D. depends on the strength of the electric field

Answer 1

The correct option is A is always zero

The figure shows FBD of an electric dipole placed in a uniform electric field.


In any orientation, the force on $+q$ is directed to right and on $-q$ is to left.
As the electric field is uniform, therefore, the magnitude of forces are equal.
Hence, net force is always zero.