Question:
A dipole of electric dipole moment \(\vec{P}\) is placed in an electric field of strength \(\vec{E}\). The angle between \(\vec{P}\) and \(\vec{E}\) for which the potential energy of the electric dipole is maximum, is
A dipole of electric dipole moment \(\vec{P}\) is placed in an electric field of strength \(\vec{E}\). The angle between \(\vec{P}\) and \(\vec{E}\) for which the potential energy of the electric dipole is maximum, is
Show Hint
The potential energy is \(-pE\cos\theta\), which is largest when \(\cos\theta=-1\).
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
- \(\cos ^{-1}(1)\)
- \(\cos ^{-1}(-1)\)
- \(\sin ^{-1}(1)\)
- \(\sin ^{-1}(-1)\)
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The potential energy of a dipole in a uniform field is \(U=-\vec{p}\cdot\vec{E}=-pE\cos\theta\).
Step 2: Maximum value
\(U\) is maximum when \(\cos\theta\) is minimum, that is \(\cos\theta=-1\).
Step 3: Angle
This means \(\theta=180^{\circ}\), that is \(\theta=\cos^{-1}(-1)\).
Step 4: Compare the options
This is option (B).
Final Answer:
The potential energy is maximum when the angle is \(\cos^{-1}(-1)\). \[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\cos^{-1}(-1)} \]
The potential energy of a dipole in a uniform field is \(U=-\vec{p}\cdot\vec{E}=-pE\cos\theta\).
Step 2: Maximum value
\(U\) is maximum when \(\cos\theta\) is minimum, that is \(\cos\theta=-1\).
Step 3: Angle
This means \(\theta=180^{\circ}\), that is \(\theta=\cos^{-1}(-1)\).
Step 4: Compare the options
This is option (B).
Final Answer:
The potential energy is maximum when the angle is \(\cos^{-1}(-1)\). \[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\cos^{-1}(-1)} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top MHT CET Physics Questions
- In non uniform circular motion, the ratio of tangential to radial acceleration is (r = radius of circle, $v =$ speed of the particle, $\alpha =$ angular acceleration)
- A particle moves along a circle of radius ?$r$? with constant tangential acceleration. If the velocity of the particle is ?$?$? at the end of second revolution, after the revolution has started then the tangential acceleration is
- If $M_z$ = magnetization of a paramagnetic sample, $B$ = external magnetic field, $T$ = absolute temperature, $C$ = curie constant then according to Curie�s law in magnetism, the correct relation is
- In a fundamental mode, the time required for the sound wave to reach upto the closed end of a pipe filled with air is $'t'$ second. The frequency of vibration of air column is
- In a parallel plate capacitor, the capacity increases if
View More Questions
Top MHT CET Electric Dipole Questions
- The electrostatic potential due to an electric dipole at a distance \( r \) varies as:
- An electric dipole having dipole moment $P = q \times 2\ell$ is placed in a uniform electric field 'E'. The dipole moment is along the direction of the field. The force acting on it and its potential energy are respectively
- An electric dipole of length \(0.5 μ\text{m}\) is placed with its axis making an angle of \(30^{\circ}\) with uniform electric field \(10^4 \text{V/m}\). If it experiences a torque of \(5\times 10^{-9} \text{Nm}\), the magnitude of the charge on the dipole is (\(sin30^{\circ} = 0.5\))
- Select the WRONG statement about polar molecules.
- An electric dipole of length \(3\text{cm}\) is placed with its axis making an angle of \(60^{\circ}\) with a uniform electric field of \(5\times 10^4\) N/C. It experiences a torque of \(9\sqrt{3}\) Nm. The magnitude of charge on the dipole is \((sin60^{\circ} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2})\)
View More Questions
Top MHT CET Questions
- During r- DNA technology, which one of the following enzymes is used for cleaving DNA molecule ?
- In non uniform circular motion, the ratio of tangential to radial acceleration is (r = radius of circle, $v =$ speed of the particle, $\alpha =$ angular acceleration)
- The temperature of $32^{\circ}C$ is equivalent to
- The line $5x + y - 1 = 0$ coincides with one of the lines given by $5x^2 + xy - kx - 2y + 2 = 0 $ then the value of k is
- The heat of formation of water is $ 260\, kJ $ . How much $ H_2O $ is decomposed by $ 130\, kJ $ of heat ?
View More Questions