Electrons & Earthing: Effects on Neutralization & Earthed Objects

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter SleSSi
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Earthing Electrons
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of electrons in relation to protons and earthed objects. It establishes that when protons are neutralized by electrons, the electrons will repel each other and seek to achieve charge neutrality. If an object is earthed, the excess electrons will move towards the ground rather than stopping midway within the object. Additionally, it is noted that a discharge, such as lightning, occurs when a critical charge density is reached, leading to the release of accumulated charge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure, specifically protons, neutrons, and electrons
  • Knowledge of electrical charge and neutrality concepts
  • Familiarity with electrostatics and charge distribution in conductors
  • Basic principles of electrical discharge phenomena, including lightning
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electrostatics and charge distribution in conductors
  • Study the mechanisms behind electrical discharges, including lightning formation
  • Explore the concept of charge neutrality in various materials
  • Learn about the effects of grounding and earthing in electrical systems
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of electrostatics and electrical discharge phenomena.

SleSSi
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
If protons are neutralized with the electrons, then a group of electrons come close and repel them,if the opposite side of the object is earthed, will they get earthed or just move away somewere in that object? and if the object was large enough would they stop half-way after they stop feeling the repulsion or go as far away as possible anyway?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Nature tends toward charge neutrality. As far as we know, for every positive charge, there is a negative charge.

The nuclei of atoms contains protons (and neutrons). Surrounding the nuclei are electrons, each with equal but opposite charge.

If there is a group of electrons, they tend to be distributed in a manner of the least energy state. At some point, the excess charge of electrons will cause a discharge, e.g. lightning.

If one charges a conductor, the charge will 'leak' and at some point, when a critical charge density has accumulated, a discharge will occur.

A group of electrons would not 'stop half-way' but each electron will be attracted to a positive charge (+ ion) somewhere.
 

Similar threads

High School How many electrons to make a stable gravitational object?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Normal force and details of the Earth holding up an object
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Undergrad E- & Ions Deflection by Earth's Magnetic Field
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
7K
Undergrad A problem when trying to compare electromagnetism with gravity
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Does the New Muon g-2 Measurement Indicate Physics Beyond the Standard Model?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Writing: Input Wanted Can a Gamma-Ray Burst Affect Communication Devices?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Undergrad Move the Earth Away from the Sun
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Undergrad Progress In Calculating The HLbL Contribution To Muon g-2
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
4K
High School Problems I Have With Electrostatics and Pith Ball Experiments
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
Undergrad Travel from Mars to Earth question......
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K