MCAT Physics Question 69: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 69
9. Given an electric dipole, the electrical potential is zero:
- A. only at the midpoint of the dipole axis.
- B. anywhere on any perpendicular bisector of the dipole axis and at infinity.
- C. anywhere on the dipole axis.
- D. only for points at infinity.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Potential is a scalar quantity. The total potential is the sum of the potentials of the positive and negative charges:
where r+ and r– represent the distances from the positive and negative charge, respectively. The sum of these terms will be zero at any point where r+ = r–. This will be at any point along the perpendicular bisector of the dipole axis, as well as at infinity.