
Derive an expression for the intensity of the electric field at a point on the axial line of an electric dipole.
Answer
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Hint: To derive the expression for electric field due to an electric dipole, we will consider an electric dipole where two point charges are separated by a distance and then consider a point along the axial line of the dipole at certain distance from the center of the dipole for finding the field intensity. We will need to equate the electric field intensity due to two single charges on the point taken for finding the net intensity.
Complete step-by-step answer:
Let us consider to be an electric dipole of two point charges and separated by small distance . Also we will take as a point along the axial line of the dipole at a distance from the midpoint of the dipole. i.e.
We know, electric field at any point due to a single charge at a distance is given by,
Where, is the permittivity of vacuum ( )
is the charge
is the distance of the point
Now, electric field at point due to charge placed at is given by,
--- (along )
Also, electric field at point due to charge placed at is given by,
--- (along )
Therefore, the magnitude of resultant electric field acts in the direction of the vector with a greater magnitude. So, the resultant magnetic field will be,
Putting the values, we will get
--- (along )
Simplifying further,
Now, we can write
So, we get
Now, if the point is far away from the dipole, then
So, the electric field will be,
--- (along )
Also, electric dipole moment , so the expression will now become,
acts in the direction of dipole moment.
Note: We must know that whenever it is required to derive an expression, then always draw a rough sketch depicting a dipole and a point on the axial line. Another case for the electric field due to a dipole is on its equatorial line. We will need to resolve the electric field vectors for calculation in that case. As we are finding the field on the axial line, there is no need of resolving the field direction.
Complete step-by-step answer:
Let us consider

We know, electric field at any point due to a single charge
Where,
Now, electric field at point
Also, electric field at point
Therefore, the magnitude of resultant electric field acts in the direction of the vector with a greater magnitude. So, the resultant magnetic field will be,
Putting the values, we will get
Simplifying further,
Now, we can write
So, we get
Now, if the point
So, the electric field will be,
Also, electric dipole moment
Note: We must know that whenever it is required to derive an expression, then always draw a rough sketch depicting a dipole and a point on the axial line. Another case for the electric field due to a dipole is on its equatorial line. We will need to resolve the electric field vectors for calculation in that case. As we are finding the field on the axial line, there is no need of resolving the field direction.
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