As shown in fig. consider an electric dipole consisting of two point charges –q and +q and separated by a distance 2a. let p be the point on the axis of the dipole at a distance from its centre O.

Electric potential at point p due to the dipole is

Electric potential at an equatorial point of a dipole: Consider an electric dipole consisting of charges –q and +q and separated by a distance 2a. let p be the point on the perpendicular bisector of the dipole at distance r from its centre O.

Electric potential at any general point due to a dipole: The potential at a point P at distance r from the centre O, the direction OP making an angle θ with the dipole moment p.

Let AP = r₁ and BP = r₂

Net potential at point P due to the dipole is V = V₁ + V₂

=

If the point P lies far away from the dipole, then

R₁ – r₂ ≈ AB cosθ = 2a Cosθ and r₁r₂ ≈ r²

Or

=