A dipole is placed on the x-axis with its center on the origin. A positive point charge will be moved from very far away on the y-axis to the origin. In Case 1 it will be moved straight down the y-axis to the origin. In Case 2 it will follow a complicated path but its starting and ending points will be the same as in case 1.

Which case takes more work?

1. Case 1
2. Case 2
3. The work done is the same in both cases

How much work is required to bring the charge from very far away to the center of the dipole?

1. Zero
2. The work done is positive
3. The work done is negative