Diagrammatically represent the position of a dipole in (i) stable (ii) unstable equilibrium when placed in a uniform electric field.

Dear Student,

Please find below the solution to the asked query:

The below diagram shows the stable equilibrium of the electric dipole in an external electric field.



This is stable equilibrium, because the potential energy of the dipole here is minimum. As,

$U_e=-P.E=-PE \cos 0=-PE$

The below diagram shows the electric dipole in an unstable equilibrium in an external electric field.



Here, the dipole is in unstable equilibrium. Because, its potential energy is having its maximum value.

$U_e=-P.E=-PE \cos 180=+PE$

Hope this information will clear your doubts about the topic.

If you have any more doubts just ask here on the forum and our experts will try to help you out as soon as possible.

Regards