An electric dipole, consisting of charges each of magnitude 2.11 nC and separated by 8.37 micrometers, is in an electric field of strength 1578 N/C. What is the magnitude of the difference in potential energy (in Joules) corresponding to dipole orientations parallel to and anti-parallel to the electric field

54*10^-13 J

Explanation:

given:

charge = 2.11 nC

distance=8.37*10-6

electric field intensity=1578 N/C

solution:

dipole moment magnitude=q. 2a

=2.11 nC*2*8.37*10-6

=18*10^-15

potential energy of dipole = - P*E

= - P*E*cos Ф

for parallel orientation, Ф=0

potential energy = - 18*10^-15*300*cos 0

=-54*10^-13 J

for perpendicular orientation, Ф=90

potential energy = - 18*10^-15*300*cos 90

=0

difference = 0 - (-54*10^-13) J

=54*10^-13 J