The magnetic forces on a magnetic dipole result in a torque that tends to make the dipole line up with the magnetic field. In this problem we show that the electric forces on an electric dipole result in a torque that tends to make the electric dipole line up with the electric field.
(a) For each orientation of the dipole shown in the diagram, sketch the electric forces and determine the direction of the torque-clockwise or counterclockwise-about an axis perpendicular to the page through the center of the dipole.

(b) The torque always tends to make the dipole rotate toward what orientation?

Transcribed Image Text:

450 90° 135°