An electric dipole consists of two equal and opposite charges, $+q$ and $-q$, separated by a small distance $d$. The electric field produced by a dipole is the vector sum of the electric fields due to each individual charge. Calculating the electric field at a point in space requires considering the distance and direction from each charge to that point. The electric field strength diminishes rapidly with increasing distance from the dipole.
The dipole moment, denoted by $\vec{p}$, is a vector pointing from the negative to the positive charge and has a magnitude of $p = qd$. The electric field due to a dipole is often analyzed at points along the axis of the dipole and at points along the perpendicular bisector. Understanding these scenarios provides a solid foundation for more complex problems.
Match the term with its correct definition:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Electric Dipole | A. A measure of the dipole's strength and direction. |
| 2. Dipole Moment | B. The electric field at a far distance decreases proportionally to this power of distance. |
| 3. Electric Field | C. A pair of equal and opposite charges separated by a distance. |
| 4. Inverse Cube Law | D. The force per unit charge exerted on a test charge. |
| 5. Perpendicular Bisector | E. The line that cuts a line segment into two equal parts at 90 degrees. |
An electric dipole consists of two equal but opposite ________ separated by a small ________. The ________ moment is a vector quantity that points from the ________ charge to the ________ charge. At large distances from the dipole, the electric field decreases as the ________ of the distance.
Imagine you have two electric dipoles with the same magnitude of dipole moment. One is made of charges $\pm q$ separated by a distance $d$, and the other is made of charges $\pm 2q$ separated by a distance $d/2$. Will the electric fields produced by these dipoles be identical at all points in space? Explain your reasoning.
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