Electric field of a sheet of charge

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SUMMARY

The electric field of a circular sheet of charge with radius a and surface charge density sigma at a distance x from the center is defined by the equation E = (σ / (2 ε₀)) [1 - (x / √(x² + a²))]. For the case where x is much smaller than a (x << a), the electric field simplifies to E = (σ / (2 ε₀)). Conversely, when x is much larger than a (x >> a), it behaves like a point charge, yielding E = Q / (4π ε₀ x²). The mathematical proof involves manipulating the expressions for E under these limits.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and charge distributions
  • Familiarity with calculus, particularly limits and simplifications
  • Knowledge of the constants ε₀ (permittivity of free space) and Q (total charge)
  • Basic algebra for manipulating square root expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of electric fields generated by different charge distributions
  • Learn about the mathematical techniques for evaluating limits in calculus
  • Explore the implications of Gauss's Law in electrostatics
  • Investigate the behavior of electric fields in various geometries, such as infinite sheets and point charges
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone involved in teaching or learning about electric fields and charge distributions.

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Homework Statement



(This is a truncated question.)

The electric field of a circular sheet of charge of radius a and surface charge density sigma and distance x away from the centre of the sheet is

E = \frac{\sigma}{2 \epsilon_0} [1 - \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2 + a^2}}]

Prove that for x > 0

E = \frac{\sigma}{2\epsilon_0} when x << a
E = \frac{Q}{4\pi \epsilon_0 x^2} when x >> a

The sheet resembles an infinite sheet and a point charge in each case and I'm required to prove this mathematically.

The Attempt at a Solution



For the first case, I note that for x << a, x/a approaches 0. I factor out x from the square roots to get the answer required.

However, for the second case, I try the same thing, x >> a, now a/x approaches 0, but in this case the expression of E becomes E = 0. I've tried several methods and obtained the same thing. Someone help...
 
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You can write E = sigma/2epsilon(not)[sqrt(x^2+a^2) - x]/sqrt(x^2+a^2)]
Multiply and dived [sqrt(x^2+a^2) + x] and simplify. Neglect the term a/x.
 

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