Question

An electric dipole consists of charges +q and −q separated by a distance 2a. Which of the following statements about the dipole is correct?

Options

• The electric field produced by a dipole is independent of the distance between the charges

• The total charge is zero, but a measurable electric field exists due to spatial separation of charges

• The total charge of the dipole is zero, and the electric field at any point is also zero

• The dipole has a net positive charge due to the presence of +q

Answer 1

An electric dipole is defined as a pair of equal and opposite point charges separated by a small distance. Although the total charge is zero (they cancel), the charges are spatially separated, which creates a measurable electric field. This spatial separation is the key characteristic that distinguishes a dipole from isolated charges.