Question

An electric dipole is placed perpendicular to an infinite line of charge at some distance as shown in figure. Identify the correct statement.

• A. The dipole is repelled away from the line charge
• B. The dipole does not experience a force
• C. The dipole is attracted towards the line charge
• D. The dipole experiences a force as well as a torque

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The direction of dipole is from negative charge to positive charge.

So from figure, the -ve charge of dipole is nearer to infinite line of charge than the +ve charge of dipole.

so, the force on -ve charge of dipole towards line charge is more than that on +ve charge of dipole away from the line charge. So net force on dipole is towards the line charge.

So option A is correct and B and C is incorrect.

The net force is along the axis of dipole so there is no torque produced due to this force.

So option D is incorrect.