Question

A dipole is placed in an electric field as shown. In which direction will it move ?

• A. towards the left as its potential energy will increase.
• B. towards the right as its potential energy will decrease.
• C. towards the left as its potential energy will decrease.
• D. towards the right as its potential energy will increase.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

towards the right as its potential energy will decrease.

Answer 2

As the electric field will loose its strength in the rightward direction. So, the force on $(+q)$ will be more then the force on $(-q)$
$\left|\vec{F}_{1}\right|>\left|\vec{F}_{2}\right|$
Hence the dipole will move towards right as in the direction of electric field potential reduces