Question

In the derivation of the electric field at the equatorial line, why do the components perpendicular to the dipole axis cancel out?

पर्याय

• Because the equatorial line is perpendicular to the dipole axis by definition

• Because the two charges are at equal distances from the point and contribute equal field components in opposite directions perpendicular to the axis

• Because the electric field always points along the dipole axis

• Because the charges are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign

Answer 1

At a point P on the equatorial line, the electric field contributions from the +q and −q charges have equal magnitudes (since they're equidistant from P). The perpendicular components (perpendicular to the dipole axis) are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, so they cancel. Only the axial components (parallel to the dipole axis) survive and add constructively.