Electric field strength in a dipole varies with distance and position

Steps:

• Electric field from each charge follows Coulomb's law: magnitude E = k|q|/r², direction away from positive or toward negative.
• For opposite charges P (positive) and Q (negative), net field along the axis points from P to Q; both components reinforce in same direction.
• Assume Y is closer to charges (smaller r), so stronger net field; X is farther (larger r), so weaker net field.
• Directions remain the same (from P toward Q) at both axial points.

Why D is correct:

• Inverse square law makes field weaker at greater distances; same direction due to reinforcement along dipole axis (definition of dipole field).

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Field is not stronger at X (farther point).
• B: Field is not stronger at X.
• C: Directions are the same, not opposite.

Final answer: D