An electric dipole of moment $\vec p$ is placed in a uniform external field $\vec E$. The torque on it is:
- $pE\cos\theta$
- $pE / \sin\theta$
- $\vec p \times \vec E$
- $\vec p \cdot \vec E$
Show answer and solution
Correct answer: C. $\vec p \times \vec E$
Torque on a dipole in a uniform field is $\vec\tau = \vec p \times \vec E$, magnitude $pE\sin\theta$, which tends to align $\vec p$ with $\vec E$.