Question

An electric dipole of moment p is placed in the position of stable equilibrium in uniform electric field of intensity E. If it is rotated through an angle $\theta$ from the initial position, the potential energy of electric dipole in the final position is

• A. $pEcos\theta$
• B. $pEsin\theta$
• C. $pE(1-cos\theta )$
• D. $-pEcos\theta$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $-pEcos\theta$

Potential energy of dipole in electric field is $U=-pEcos\theta$; where $\theta$ is the angle between electric field and dipole moment vector.