Proving limits of electric fields on infinite planes

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the need to expand calculations to first order when analyzing electric fields on infinite planes, particularly when evaluating terms close to x = L/2. It emphasizes that setting x exactly to L/2 is incorrect, as x is only approximately equal to this value. The participants highlight the importance of considering the small parameter d in relation to L to achieve accurate results. The conversation critiques a previous approach that oversimplified the relationship between electric field strengths. Overall, the need for careful mathematical expansion in the context of electric fields is underscored.
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Homework Statement
Hey
So I've got this question here to work on, and I've so far managed to solve the first part (a) (Proving that at the center the field is equivalent to an infinite plane however this next part of the question has stumped me as I cannot figure out how they solved to the factor they've provided.
I realise that the factor is a division of answer a and b (So E(field) at x = L/2 divided by E(field) at x = 0) and thats where the 1/pi comes from, as the n/2e in both cases (formula for efield of a plane of charge) will cancel to just 1/pi, however I'm not sure how they get the rest of the formula in part b
Attached below is the current working I've done but I can't see a connection from there
Relevant Equations
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rt a)
 
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did you try expanding things to first order one of your terms in your calculation you set it to zero
##
x \approx \frac{L}{2}
##
not exactly equal to it
and ##
d<<L
##
so you need to expand to first order this
##
\frac{L}{2d} \frac{L-2x}{\sqrt{L^2+{(L-2x)}^2}}
##
and
##
tan^{-1}(\frac{L}{2d} \frac{L+2x}{\sqrt{L^2+{(L+2x)}^2}})
##
 
timetraveller123 said:
did you try expanding things to first order one of your terms in your calculation you set it to zero
##
x \approx \frac{L}{2}
##
not exactly equal to it
and ##
d<<L
##
so you need to expand to first order this
##
\frac{L}{2d} \frac{L-2x}{\sqrt{L^2+{(L-2x)}^2}}
##
and
##
tan^{-1}(\frac{L}{2d} \frac{L+2x}{\sqrt{L^2+{(L+2x)}^2}})
##

I'm not exactly sure what you mean in saying that?
 
i am saying that the S is not just
##
\frac{E_{plate}(\frac{L}{2})}{E_{plate}(0)}
## which is what you tried to do
because x is not## \frac{L}{2}## but very close to it but not exactly it
so you expand the terms to first order
 
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