Electric Dipole derivation (Algebra)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The derivation of the electric field (E) due to an electric dipole is confirmed through algebraic manipulation. The initial expression for E is given by E = \frac {q}{4\pi\varepsilon(z-\frac{1}{2}d)^2} - \frac{q}{4\pi\varepsilon(z+\frac{1}{2}d)^2}. By obtaining a common denominator and simplifying, the expression is transformed into E = \frac {q}{4\pi\varepsilon z^2} [(1-\frac{d}{2z})^{-2} - (1+\frac{d}{2z})^{-2}]. This demonstrates the relationship between the dipole moment and the electric field in the specified configuration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and dipoles
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation of fractions
  • Knowledge of calculus, specifically limits and series expansions
  • Basic physics concepts related to electrostatics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric fields from point charges
  • Learn about the concept of dipole moments in electrostatics
  • Explore the implications of electric field equations in different geometries
  • Investigate the use of Taylor series for approximating functions in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as anyone involved in advanced algebraic applications in physical contexts.

DrummingAtom
Messages
657
Reaction score
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
[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]
 

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K