Electric Dipole derivation (Algebra)

In summary, by manipulating the given equation and simplifying, it can be shown that E = \frac {q}{4\pi\varepsilon z^2} [(1-\frac{d}{2z})^{-2} - (1+\frac{d}{2z})^{-2}].
  • #1
DrummingAtom
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2

Homework Statement



Show that

[tex] E = \frac {q}{4\pi\varepsilon(z-\frac{1}{2}d)^2} - \frac{q}{4\pi\varepsilon(z+\frac{1}{2}d)^2}
[/tex]

is

[tex]E = \frac {q}{4\pi\varepsilon z^2} [(1-\frac{d}{2z})^{-2} - (1+\frac{d}{2z})^{-2}][/tex]



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



After getting a common denominator and subtracting I got

[tex] \frac {2qdz}{4\pi\varepsilon(z^4-\frac{1}{2}d^2z^2+\frac{1}{16}d^4)}[/tex]

Stuck completely at this point. I've tried working backwards but that is even more confusing. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
[tex]
E = \frac {q}{4\pi\varepsilon(z-\frac{1}{2}d)^2} - \frac{q}{4\pi\varepsilon(z+\frac{1}{2}d)^2}
[/tex]

[tex]
E = \frac {q}{4\pi\varepsilon}[(z-\frac{1}{2}d)^{-2}} - (z+\frac{1}{2}d)^{-2}}]
[/tex]

[tex]
E = \frac {q}{4\pi\varepsilon}[(z(1-\frac{d}{2z}))^{-2}} - (z(1+\frac{d}{2z}))^{-2}}]
[/tex]

[tex]
E = \frac {q}{4\pi\varepsilon}[z^{-2}(1-\frac{d}{2z})^{-2}} - z^{-2}(1+\frac{d}{2z})^{-2}}]
[/tex]

[tex]
E = \frac {q}{4\pi\varepsilon z^2} [(1-\frac{d}{2z})^{-2} - (1+\frac{d}{2z})^{-2}]
[/tex]
 

1. What is an electric dipole?

An electric dipole is a pair of equal and opposite charges separated by a small distance. It is commonly represented by two point charges, one positive and one negative, with a distance between them.

2. How is an electric dipole moment calculated?

The electric dipole moment is calculated by multiplying the magnitude of one of the charges by the distance between the two charges. This value is then multiplied by a unit vector that points from the negative charge to the positive charge.

3. Can you derive the electric dipole moment algebraically?

Yes, the electric dipole moment can be derived algebraically by using the definition of an electric dipole moment and the properties of vectors. It involves using vector addition and scalar multiplication to find the final expression for the electric dipole moment.

4. What is the physical significance of the electric dipole moment?

The electric dipole moment is a measure of the strength and direction of an electric dipole. It is an important concept in electromagnetism and is used to describe the behavior of electric fields and how they interact with charges.

5. How does the electric dipole moment affect the electric field around it?

The electric dipole moment creates an electric field that is stronger near the charges and weaker in between them. The direction of the electric dipole moment also determines the direction of the electric field lines. The electric field around an electric dipole is also perpendicular to the dipole moment vector.

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