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

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on simplifying the electric field of a dipole configuration as the distance x becomes much larger than the separation l between the charges. The total electric field on the x-axis is initially expressed in terms of the charges Q, the separation l, and the constant ε0. As x approaches infinity, the expression simplifies to involve the dipole moment p, defined as Ql. The key simplification involves recognizing that certain terms approach 1, allowing the equation to reduce to p/(2⋅π⋅ε⋅x^3). The poster ultimately resolved their confusion and no longer requires assistance.
Yapper
Messages
101
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org


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:
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Back
Top