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How to Find the Work Done by an Electric Dipole?

By Team Aakash Byju's | 22nd November 2022

Zero

A

−PE

B

PE

C

2PE

D

An electric dipole of dipole moment P is placed parallel to the uniform electric field of intensity E. On rotating it through 180, the amount of work done is

o

Detailed Explanation

The correct answer is  D. 2PE

Arrow

The expression for the work done by an external agency to rotate a dipole is

W = PE(cosθ  − cosθ  )  where, θ  is the initial angle θ  is the final angle

1

2

1

2

In the given case, θ   = 0° and   θ  = 180°.   Thus, W = PE (cos 0° − cos 180°).

2

1

Since cos 0° = 1 and cos 180°= −1,  we get W = PE (1 − (−1))

=> W = PE (2) or  W = 2PE.