Electric Dipole as x l, how do I simplify this correctly?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on simplifying the electric field expression for an electric dipole configuration where the distance x is much greater than the separation l between the charges. The correct expression for the electric field E(x) when x > l/2 is given as (Q⋅l)/(2⋅π⋅ε⋅x^3) multiplied by the approximation (1−(l/(2⋅x))^2)^2. In the limit where x≫l, this simplifies to E(x) = p/(2⋅π⋅ε⋅x^3), where p = Ql is the dipole moment. The user initially struggled with the approximation but ultimately resolved the issue.

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Electric Dipole as x >> l, how do I simplify this correctly?

Homework Statement


ELECTRIC DIPOLE : 15.0 POINTS

A charge −Q is located at x=−l/2 and a charge +Q is located at x=l/2. Thus the separation between the two charges is l.


The total electric field on the x-axis can be written as
E⃗ (x)=E(x)dˆ.

(a) What is the direction dˆ of the total electric field at any point on the x-axis where x>l/2?

x^ (correct)

(b)What is E(x) as a function of x for x>l/2? Express your answer in terms of, if necessary, Q, l, x and the constant ϵ0 (if needed, enter pi for π, epsilon_0 for ϵ0).


(Q⋅l)/(2⋅π⋅ε⋅x^3⋅(1−(l/(2⋅x))^2)^2) (correct)

(c) Consider now the limit where x≫l, so that

(1±l2x)^−2≃1∓l/x

Express, in this limit, E(x) in terms of, if necessary, p, x and ϵ0. The quantity p=Ql is called the dipole moment.


p/(2⋅π⋅ε⋅x^3) (correct) how?


Homework Equations



I already solved A and B with the equations. I really just need to know how to do C. Simplifying from (Q⋅l)/(2⋅π⋅ε⋅x^3⋅(1−(l/(2⋅x))^2)^2) to p/(2⋅π⋅ε⋅x^3) as x >> l.


The Attempt at a Solution



I substitute Q*l for P but I get stuck at the (1−(l/(2⋅x))^2)^2) part if I just have x = l then to me it should simplify to 9/16 but that's not it... then I try to use the (1±l2x)^−2≃1∓l/x approximation and i end up getting p (1 - l^2/x^2) / (2⋅π⋅ε⋅x^3) which when x >> l equals 0 i have no idea about how to make (1−(l/(2⋅x))^2)^2) go to 1 when x >> l, please help
 
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A little typo correction,
(c) Consider now the limit where x≫l, so that

(1±(l/2x))^−2≃1∓l/x

Edit: I figured it out please ignore this post...
 
Last edited:

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