The permanent electric dipole moment of the water molecule 1H2O2 is 6.2 * 10-30 C m. What is the maximum possible torque on a water molecule in a 5.0 * 108 N/C electric field?

3.1 x 10⁻²¹ Nm

Explanation:

When placed in an external electric filed, an electric dipole experiences a torque. and this torque is represented mathematically with the equation:

torque (τ) = dipole moment vector (P) x electric field vector (E)

τ = P. E. sin θ

where θ is the angle between the water molecule and the electric field, which in this case is 90° (because this is where the torque is maximum)

τ = 6.2x10⁻³⁰Cm. 5.0x10⁸ N/C. sin90

τ = 6.2x10⁻³⁰Cm. 5.0x10⁸ N/C. 1

solve for τ

τ = 3.1 x 10⁻²¹ Nm

the maximum possible torque on the water molecule is therefore 3.1 x 10⁻²¹ Nm