Question : Find work done in rotating an electric dipole of electric dipole moment 3p in an electric field of intensity E/2 from
i) stable configuration to unstable configuration
ii) 30° to 120°
Doubt by Mansi
Solution :
Electric Dipole Moment = 3p
Intensity of Electric Field = E/2
Intensity of Electric Field = E/2
We know, work done in rotating an electric dipole placed in an Uniform Electric Field from initial angle θ1 to final angle θ2 is given by
W = pE(cosθ1-cosθ2)
i)
For position of stable equilibrium, θ1=0°
For position of unstable equilibrium, θ2=180°
W = (3p)(E/2) [cos0°-cos180°]
W = [3pE/2] [1-(-1)]
W = [3pE/2] [ 1+1]
W =[3pE/2][2]
W = 3pE
For position of stable equilibrium, θ1=0°
For position of unstable equilibrium, θ2=180°
W = (3p)(E/2) [cos0°-cos180°]
W = [3pE/2] [1-(-1)]
W = [3pE/2] [ 1+1]
W =[3pE/2][2]
W = 3pE
ii) θ1=30° to θ2=120°
W = (3p)(E/2) [cos30°- cos120°]
W = [3pE/2] [(√3/2) - (-1/2)]
W = [3pE/2][(√3/2) + (1/2)]
W = [3pE/2] [(√3/2) - (-1/2)]
W = [3pE/2][(√3/2) + (1/2)]
W = [3pE/2][(√3+1)/2]
W = [3pE(√3+1)]/4
W = [3pE(√3+1)]/4