Electric Dipole as x l, how do I simplify this correctly?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of an electric dipole and how to simplify the equation in the limit where x >> l. The direction of the total electric field at any point on the x-axis where x > l/2 is x^, and E(x) as a function of x for x > l/2 can be expressed as (Q*l)/(2*pi*epsilon_0*x^3*(1-(l/(2*x))^2)^2). To simplify this in the limit where x >> l, the approximation (1+(l/2x))^−2 ≃ 1-l/x can be used, resulting in the simplified equation p/(2*pi*epsilon_0*x^3), where p = Q
  • #1
Yapper
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Electric Dipole as x >> l, how do I simplify this correctly?

Homework Statement


ELECTRIC DIPOLE : 15.0 POINTS

A charge −Q is located at x=−l/2 and a charge +Q is located at x=l/2. Thus the separation between the two charges is l.


The total electric field on the x-axis can be written as
E⃗ (x)=E(x)dˆ.

(a) What is the direction dˆ of the total electric field at any point on the x-axis where x>l/2?

x^ (correct)

(b)What is E(x) as a function of x for x>l/2? Express your answer in terms of, if necessary, Q, l, x and the constant ϵ0 (if needed, enter pi for π, epsilon_0 for ϵ0).


(Q⋅l)/(2⋅π⋅ε⋅x^3⋅(1−(l/(2⋅x))^2)^2) (correct)

(c) Consider now the limit where x≫l, so that

(1±l2x)^−2≃1∓l/x

Express, in this limit, E(x) in terms of, if necessary, p, x and ϵ0. The quantity p=Ql is called the dipole moment.


p/(2⋅π⋅ε⋅x^3) (correct) how?


Homework Equations



I already solved A and B with the equations. I really just need to know how to do C. Simplifying from (Q⋅l)/(2⋅π⋅ε⋅x^3⋅(1−(l/(2⋅x))^2)^2) to p/(2⋅π⋅ε⋅x^3) as x >> l.


The Attempt at a Solution



I substitute Q*l for P but I get stuck at the (1−(l/(2⋅x))^2)^2) part if I just have x = l then to me it should simplify to 9/16 but that's not it... then I try to use the (1±l2x)^−2≃1∓l/x approximation and i end up getting p (1 - l^2/x^2) / (2⋅π⋅ε⋅x^3) which when x >> l equals 0 i have no idea about how to make (1−(l/(2⋅x))^2)^2) go to 1 when x >> l, please help
 
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  • #2


A little typo correction,
(c) Consider now the limit where x≫l, so that

(1±(l/2x))^−2≃1∓l/x

Edit: I figured it out please ignore this post...
 
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FAQ: Electric Dipole as x l, how do I simplify this correctly?

What is an electric dipole?

An electric dipole is a pair of equal and opposite charges separated by a small distance. This creates a dipole moment, which is a measure of the strength and direction of the dipole.

How is the electric dipole moment calculated?

The electric dipole moment (p) is calculated by multiplying the magnitude of one of the charges (q) by the distance between the charges (l). In equation form, this can be written as p = ql.

What does x represent in the equation for an electric dipole?

In the equation for an electric dipole, x represents the separation distance between the two charges. This is typically measured in meters.

How can I simplify the expression for an electric dipole with x and l?

To simplify the expression for an electric dipole with x and l, you can use the fact that x and l are both variables representing distance. Therefore, you can substitute one for the other and rewrite the expression using only one of the variables.

Is there a specific direction for an electric dipole?

Yes, an electric dipole has a specific direction based on the orientation of the charges. The direction is from the negative charge to the positive charge.

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