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Question

A dipole with \( p = 6 \times 10^{-9} \, \text{C m} \) is at 60° to a field \( E = 7 \times 10^4 \,
\text{N/C} \). What is the torque?

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Explanation

**Dipole moment** governs torque and energy in external field. Axial field stronger than equatorial, torque maximum at θ = 90°, zero when aligned. Work done rotating dipole relates to ΔU = pE(1 - cosθ), explaining stable equilibrium at θ = 0°. tau = p E sin θ . tau = 6 × 10⁻⁹ × 7 × 10⁴ × sin 60° = 42 × 10⁻⁵ × (√(3)/2) = 3.64 × 10⁻⁴ N m . Substituting values gives 3.64 × 10⁻⁴ N m, which matches expected magnitude for this electrostatic configuration, confirming Coulomb's and Gauss's principles and charge quantization consistency.

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