Are Planets Electrically Neutral or Charged?

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SUMMARY

Planets, including Earth, are electrically neutral, meaning they do not possess a net positive or negative charge. The discussion clarifies that while gravitational potential can be negative when measured relative to infinity, this concept is distinct from electric charge. The Earth is often considered to have a zero electric potential, aligning with Coulomb's law, which states that it is neither positively nor negatively charged. This distinction between gravitational and electric potential is crucial for understanding planetary charge characteristics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational potential energy
  • Familiarity with electric charge concepts
  • Knowledge of potential energy measurements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Coulomb's Law in planetary science
  • Explore the differences between gravitational and electric potential
  • Study the concept of electric neutrality in celestial bodies
  • Investigate how electric charge affects planetary atmospheres
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in the electrical properties of celestial bodies.

Amrutha.phy
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Planets are said to be uncharged... Leave about the rest but we consider Earth as a negative potential (I suppose)... :-p please clarify my doubt...
 
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The Earth is electrically neutral - I don't understand your question.
 
Amrutha.phy said:
Planets are said to be uncharged... Leave about the rest but we consider Earth as a negative potential
Where did you hear this?

I wonder if you aren't confusing gravitational potential energy with electric charge. Since potential energy is always relative to some fixed value, we are free to take it zero at any point. Because graviational force varies as 1/r^2, gravitational potential varies as 1/r and it is simplest to take the zero point at infinity. And since gravitational potential decreases as you approach the earth, taking zero at infinity means the gravitational potential at any finite distance is negative.

However, that has nothing at all to do with "charge".

(I suppose)... :-p please clarify my doubt...
 
building on from "hallsofivy's" comment, even if u consider the electrical approach ie using coulomb's law, the Earth as a whole is considered to be at a zero potential,(in terms of charge) ie Earth is neither positively charged nor negatively charged.

Hope that clears things up
Using the premise, the Earth is neutral.
 
Yeah I confused between gravitational potential and charge... Yeah I got it clarified thank u..
 

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