Three point charges +q, –2q and + q are placed at points (x = 0, y = a, z = 0), (x = 0, y = 0, z = 0) and (x = a, y = 0, z = 0), respectively. The magnitude and direction of the electric dipole moment vector of this charge assembly are:
qa along + y direction
qa along the line joining points (x = 0, y = 0, z = 0) and (x = a, y = a, z = 0)
qa along + x direction
Text Solution
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Electric dipole moment is a vector quantity directed from negative charge to the similar positive charge.
Choose the three coordinate axes as x, y and z and plot the charges with the given coordinates as shown.
is the origin at which –2q charge is placed. The system is equivalent to two dipoles along x and y-directions respectively. The dipole moments of two dipoles are shown in figure.
The resultant dipole moment will be directed along OP where P 
(a, a, 0). The magnitude of resultant dipole moment is
p' = 
= 
= 
qa
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