An electric dipole with charges $+q$ and $-q$ is placed in a uniform electric field $E$. What is the net force $F_{\text{net}}$ acting on the dipole?

Solution

1. An electric dipole consists of two charges, $+q$ and $-q$, placed in a uniform electric field $E$.
2. The force on the positive charge is $F_{+}=qE$, and the force on the negative charge is $F_{-}=-qE$.
3. The net force is the vector sum of these individual forces: $$\begin{array}{rl}{F}_{\text{net}}& =F_{+}+F_{-}\\ & =qE+(-qE)\\ & =0\end{array}$$.
4. Hence the answer is (C).