Q 12-01-020NEETJEE MainTop questionMedium
The electric field at a point on the axis of a short dipole is $E$. At a point at the same distance on its equatorial line, the field is
Answer: (D) $\dfrac{E}{2}$, in the opposite direction
Concept. Short dipole: axial field $\dfrac{2kp}{r^3}$ along $\vec p$; equatorial field $\dfrac{kp}{r^3}$ opposite to $\vec p$.
Step 1. Compare. At equal distance the equatorial field is half as large and points the other way.
Answer. $\dfrac{E}{2}$, in the opposite direction (Option D).
Solution by Sreeraj P, M.Sc Physics