When the dipole size 2a reaches zero the charge q approaches infinity ...
Explanation of the excerpt:
When the dipole size 2a approaches zero, the charge q of the dipole approaches infinity in such a way that the product p=q x 2a remains finite. This type of dipole is referred to as a point dipole.
Details:
Dipole size:
- A dipole is a pair of equal and opposite charges separated by a distance.
- The size of a dipole is defined as the distance between the two charges multiplied by two (2a).
- As the distance between the charges decreases, the dipole size (2a) approaches zero.
Charge of the dipole:
- As the dipole size approaches zero, the charge q of the dipole approaches infinity.
- This means that the magnitude of the charges in the dipole becomes infinitely large.
- This is because the product p=q x 2a must remain finite, and as 2a approaches zero, q must approach infinity to keep p finite.
Point dipole:
- A point dipole is a theoretical concept that represents an infinitely small dipole.
- In reality, all dipoles have a finite size and charge, but point dipoles are useful for simplifying calculations in certain situations.
- Point dipoles are often used to represent the electric field of molecules or atoms in chemistry and physics.
Conclusion:
In summary, the excerpt explains that a point dipole is a dipole with an infinitely small size and an infinitely large charge, such that the product of the charge and size remains finite. This concept is useful for simplifying calculations in certain fields of science.
When the dipole size 2a reaches zero the charge q approaches infinity ...
C'oz as per the formula for dipole moment (p) is equal to the charge(q) × length of dipole(2a) i.e., P= q(2a)