Question

Figure shows electric field lines in which an electric dipole P is placed as shown. Which of the following statements is correct?

Options

• The dipole will not experience any force.

• The dipole will experience a force towards right.

• The dipole will experience a force towards left.

• The dipole will experience a force upwards.

Answer 1

The dipole will experience a force towards left.

Explanation:

If the lines of force are equidistant and parallel straight lines, the field is uniform and if either lines of force are not equidistant, or straight line or both, the field will be non-uniform. The number of electric field lines passing per unit area is proportional to the strength of the electric field. For example, see the following figures:

Hence in a given question, from the given pattern of electric field lines, it is clear that the strength of the electric field decreases from left to right. As a result force on charges also decreases from left to right.

Here in the given figure, the force on charge -q is greater than the force on charge +q in turn dipole will experience a force towards left.