What is the potential energy of a dipole in a uniform electric field E when it is aligned with the field?

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Q: What is the potential energy of a dipole in a uniform electric field E when it is aligned with the field?

Solution: Potential energy U = -p · E. When aligned, U = -pE.

Steps: 8

Step 1: Understand what a dipole is. A dipole consists of two equal and opposite charges separated by a distance.
Step 2: Know what an electric field (E) is. It is a region around a charged object where other charges experience a force.
Step 3: Learn about potential energy (U). It is the energy stored in an object due to its position in a field.
Step 4: Recognize that the potential energy of a dipole in an electric field depends on its orientation relative to the field.
Step 5: When the dipole is aligned with the electric field, it means the dipole is in the same direction as the field.
Step 6: The formula for potential energy of a dipole in an electric field is U = -p · E, where p is the dipole moment.
Step 7: When the dipole is perfectly aligned with the field, the angle between p and E is 0 degrees.
Step 8: The dot product p · E simplifies to pE when aligned, so U = -pE.