Question

An electric dipole is placed near a positive charge. It will experience :

• A. a torque only
• B. a force only
• C. both torque and force
• D. it will depend on the orientation of the dipole with respect to the charge

Answer 1

The correct option is D it will depend on the orientation of the dipole with respect to the charge

We have $\tau =p\times E$,
where $\tau$ is torque, $p$ is dipole moment and $E$ is the electric field.
Hence it depends on the direction of the dipole. This can be clearly understood using the figure.