In which orientation, a dipole place in a uniform electric field as in (A stable) and (B unstable) equilibrium.

Question

In which orientation, a dipole place in a uniform electric field as in (A stable) and (B unstable)  equilibrium.

bobpursley · Answer

The electric field is the direction a + charge will travel. A dipole placed in a uniform electric filed is in Stable equilibrium when the electric field is directed along the direction of the dipole i.e., when is parallel to. Unstable equilibrium when the electric filed is directed at an angle of 180 degrees with the direction of the dipole, i.e., when is anti-parallel to.