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In electronics it is customary to define the potential of ground (thinking of the earth as a large conductor) as zero. Is this consistent with the fact that the earth has a net electric charge that is not zero?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The electric potential of the earth is not zero.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of electric potential

The term electric potential may be defined as the amount of work done by the unit charge in moving from one point to another against an electric field.

02

Determine whether the net electric charge of the earth is zero or not

The electric potential of the earth can be calculated by the relation:

V=Q4πεr

From that relation, conclude that the radius of the earth never be infinite, so the electric potential of the earth is also never zero. That’s why the earth has a net electric charge that is not zero.

Hence, the electric potential of the earth is not zero.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Question: A conducting sphere is placed between two charged parallel plates such as those shown in Figure. Does the electric field inside the sphere depend on precisely where between the plates the sphere is placed? What about the electric potential inside the sphere? Do the answers to these questions depend on whether or not there is a net charge on the sphere? Explain your reasoning.

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