Coloumbs law with inverse cubic

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the net force exerted on a permanent electric dipole by an external charge using Coulomb's law. The dipole consists of charges +q and -q separated by a distance s, with an external charge +Q positioned at a distance r from the dipole's center. By applying the binomial approximation, the net force is derived as Fnet = 2KqQs/r3, demonstrating the inverse cubic relationship in the force calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Coulomb's Law for electric forces
  • Binomial approximation for small values
  • Understanding of electric dipoles
  • Basic calculus for force derivation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the binomial approximation in physics problems
  • Explore the properties and behavior of electric dipoles
  • Learn about the derivation of forces in multi-charge systems
  • Investigate the implications of inverse cubic laws in electrostatics
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of electric forces and dipole interactions.

yusufali
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1. Homework Statement
A permanent electric dipole consisting of charges +q and -q
separated by the fixed distance s. Charge +Q is distance r from
the center of the dipole. We'll assume s << r.

a) Use the binomial approximation (1+x)-n ~= 1-nx if
x << 1 to show that the net force exerted on the dipole by charge +Q
is Fnet = 2KqQs/r3


Homework Equations



F = Kqq/r2

3. Attempted Solution

F = +kQq/(r+s/2)2 - kQq/(r-s/2)2
F = -2kQq(rs)/( (r+s/2)2 * (r-s/2)2 )

i cannot figure out the rest from there...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You have been instructed to use ## (1 + x)^{-n} \approx 1 - nx ##, when ## x << 1 ##. Why are you ignoring this?
 

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