How to Prove Electric Potential Formula for a Charged Disc?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on proving the electric potential formula for a charged disc, specifically V=2kpisigma(sqrt{x^2+r^2}-x), and its reduction to V=kQ/x when x is much larger than r. A user attempted to manipulate the formula by multiplying by a fraction to simplify it but expressed uncertainty about the correctness of their approach. They suggested considering a differential ring on the charged plate to find the charge it possesses and using integration to derive the potential at a distance 'x' from the disc. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the potential due to a differential charge and integrating over the disc's radius to arrive at the desired expression.
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Homework Statement



I need to prove that the formula for electric potential (V) of a charged disc (with radius r) and with a uniform charge density, that
V=2kpisigma\(sqrt{x^2+r^2}-x)

when x is very large compared to r, and Q is the total charge of the disk, that this formula reduces to V=kQ/x

Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



I tried multiplying by a fraction of (sqrt{x^2+r^2}+x) as both numer and denom, and worked through it to get V=2kpisigma(4xsqrt{x^2+r^2})/(sqrt{x^2+r^2}+x)

Here I assumed that all under the square root was approaching x, so simplified as

V=kpisigma4x^2/x

But now I don't know if I've been doing this right..
 
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Take a differential ring in the charged plate, with a radius say 'r' and thickness say 'dr', then what charge does it posses?
Assuming the surface charge density to be sigma, you can find the charge covered by the differential ring. Now you must know the formula for the potential at a point due to a ring (on the axis). If you know that, then you can find the potential at the required point (at a distance 'x' as per your question) due to the differential ring. It will be only in terms of a single differential, 'dr'. Just integrate it from r=0 to r=R (where i am assuming R to be the radius of the plate), you will have the required expression!
 
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