Question
Physics Question on Electrostatic potential
The increase in electrostatic potential energy of a dipole of moment p when it is taken from parallel to anti-parallel orientation in an electric field E is
A
2pE
B
3pE
C
5pE
D
6pE
Answer
2pE
Explanation
Solution
p = dipole moment
U = - pEcosθ
U1=−pEcos0∘
U2=−pEcos180∘
ΔU=(U2−U1)=pE+pE=2pE
Increase in potential energy ΔU=2pE