Multipole ExpansionHardQuestion 31486
Question
At large distances, the dominant term in the potential of an arbitrary charge distribution is (if total charge ≠ 0):
- ADipole term (∝ 1/r²)
- BMonopole term (∝ 1/r)Correct
- CQuadrupole term (∝ 1/r³)
- DOctopole term
Correct answer
Monopole term (∝ 1/r)
Explanation
Multipole expansion: V = V_mono + V_dipole + V_quadrupole +... If total charge Q ≠ 0, monopole term kQ/r dominates at large r. If Q = 0, dipole term dominates.