Choose the best definition of a dipole.a)A pair of equal and like charges located at the originb)A pair of unequal and like charges located at the originc)A pair of equal and unlike charges separated by a small distanced)A pair of unequal and unlike charges separated by a small distanceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

A dipole is a term commonly used in physics to describe a pair of charges with opposite signs that are separated by a small distance. It is a fundamental concept in electromagnetism and plays a crucial role in understanding various electrical phenomena.

A dipole consists of two charges, one positive and one negative, that are located close to each other but not at the same point. The positive charge is usually denoted as '+' and the negative charge as '-'. These charges may be identical in magnitude, but they must have opposite signs.

The separation between the charges is typically much smaller compared to the distance from the charges to an observation point. This small separation is what distinguishes a dipole from other charge configurations. The charges can be thought of as forming a line segment, with the positive charge at one end and the negative charge at the other.

The concept of a dipole is essential in understanding the behavior of electric fields, particularly in situations where the distance from the charges is much greater than their separation. When an electric field acts on a dipole, it exerts forces on both charges, causing them to experience a torque. This torque tends to align the dipole with the electric field, resulting in an interesting phenomenon known as dipole orientation.

Dipoles are also important in describing the behavior of electric potential and electric fields in materials. In dielectric materials, such as insulators, the presence of dipoles can significantly affect the behavior of electric fields. The alignment and orientation of dipoles in response to an external electric field contributes to the material's electrical properties, such as its permittivity.

In summary, a dipole is a pair of equal and opposite charges separated by a small distance. It is a fundamental concept in electromagnetism and is crucial for understanding electric fields, dipole orientation, and the behavior of materials in the presence of electric fields.

Similar Electrical Engineering (EE) Doubts

For two charges 3C and -3C separated by 1cm and are located at distances 5cm and 7cm respectively from the point P, then the distance between their midpoint and the point P will be

Calculate the dipole moment of a dipole with equal charges 2C and -2C separated by a distance of 2cm.

Find the angle at which the potential due a dipole is measured, when the distance from one charge is 12cm and that due to other is 11cm, separated to each other by a distance of 2cm.

Two charges of + 4 μC and -16 μC are separated from each other by a distance of 0.6 m. At what distance should a third charge of + 6 μC be placed from + 4 μC so that net force exerts on it will be zero?

2 equal point charges of 20nc are located at x=2,3m respectively what is the potential at origin?

Top Courses for Electrical Engineering (EE)View all

Network Theory (Electric Circuits)

GATE Electrical Engineering (EE) Mock Test Series 2025

General Aptitude for GATE

GATE Notes & Videos for Electrical Engineering

Engineering Mathematics

Top Courses for Electrical Engineering (EE)

Top Courses for Electrical Engineering (EE)

Suggested Free Tests

Related Content

Mock Test Series

Subject-wise Courses

Subject-wise Courses

Other Engg Branches

Company