Question

What real-world phenomenon demonstrates the behavior of a dipole in a non-uniform electric field?

Options

• A charged object repelling another charged object

• A rubbed plastic comb attracting small pieces of paper

• A compass needle aligning with Earth's magnetic field

• Light bending through a prism

Answer 1

When a rubbed plastic comb (which creates a non-uniform electric field) is brought near small pieces of paper, the non-uniform field polarizes the paper molecules (creating dipoles) and simultaneously rotates and translates them toward the comb. This demonstrates both the rotational and translational effects of a non-uniform field on a dipole.