Can Earth Still Hold Charge Even When Connected to a Conductor?

In summary, when a conductor is connected to Earth, all the charges are shown to be flown to Earth in textbook hc verma. However, in some examples, the charges are not zero on the conductor when it is connected to Earth. This can happen because charges can still be spread unevenly on the conductor due to external fields or nearby charged objects. The charges on a conductor can easily flow to Earth, but this does not mean there is no net charge on the conductor. This is demonstrated in the concept of an electrophorus, where a metal plate can be charged by connecting it to Earth.
  • #1
Brajesh kedia
When conductor is connected to earth..all the charges are shown to be flown to Earth in textbook hc verma...But i found in its examples the charges are however not zero on conductor when it is connected to earth..
If it charge is not zero on connecting to Earth how will the capacitor work...?
 
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  • #2
Brajesh kedia said:
But i found in its examples the charges are however not zero on conductor when it is connected to earth..
Where?
 
  • #3
mfb said:
Where?
If a charged plate is brought up to an Earthed (therefore uncharged) plate, charges will flow into and out of the plate (likes being repelled and unlikes being attracted), causing the plate to have a surplus of unlike charges. Remove the Earth connection and tat plate will have acquired a charge by Induction. Perhaps this is what the OP refers to?
 
  • #4
Ah right, problably.

Things connected to Earth have a potential difference of 0 V relative to ground, no matter how much charge density this requires in the current setup.
 
  • #5
The system reaches a minimum energy state - would be one way of putting it.
 
  • #6
Anyone please give me a good explanation what's actually happening as maximum teachers say charges are zero on connecting otherwise capacitor won't work nd when doing sums they are saying that theory is not applicable here..
 
  • #7
Brajesh kedia said:
Anyone please give me a good explanation what's actually happening as maximum teachers say charges are zero on connecting otherwise capacitor won't work nd when doing sums they are saying that theory is not applicable here..
I am not sure what you are getting at here. The charges (or any other variable) can be whatever the system starts with.
The right theory is always applicable. :smile: There can be zero net charge on a conductor but the charges can still be spread unevenly around it (polarisation) in the presence of an external field or nearby charged object.
 
  • #8
Brajesh kedia said:
When conductor is connected to earth..all the charges are shown to be flown to Earth in textbook hc verma...But i found in its examples the charges are however not zero on conductor when it is connected to earth..

Is this an example in your textbook? Can you scan that example and post it here?
 
  • #9
q` is bq/c whereas showing u another snapshot of hc verma where charges are flown to Earth as a whole
 

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  • #10
Charges have flown to Earth as a whole when earthed in this case..!
 

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  • #11
What people seem to be forgetting is that the charges on a conductor (eg Earth) can flow very easily. Excess charges will flow from a charged conductor to Earth until the PD is zero but that doesn't mean that there is no net charge on that conductor. If there is a local Field due to a nearby charged object, it is very easy for electrons to be attracted to or repelled from the local part of Earth. Do not confuse PD with Charge.
Search for "electrophorus" and you will see exactly how you can actually charge up a metal plate by connecting it to earth.
 

1. How does Earth neutralise electrical charges?

Earth neutralises electrical charges through a process called grounding or earthing. This involves connecting conductive materials, such as metal rods, to the Earth's surface, which allows for a transfer of electrical charges. The Earth's natural electrical conductivity helps to dissipate any excess charges and bring the system back to a neutral state.

2. What causes the build-up of electrical charges on Earth?

The build-up of electrical charges on Earth can be caused by a variety of factors such as thunderstorms, volcanic eruptions, and solar winds. These events can create imbalances in the Earth's electrical field, leading to a build-up of charges on the surface.

3. Can the Earth's neutralising abilities be overwhelmed?

Yes, the Earth's neutralising abilities can be overwhelmed in extreme situations such as lightning strikes. In these cases, the amount of electrical charge is too great for the Earth's natural processes to handle, resulting in damage to infrastructure and potential harm to living organisms.

4. How does Earth's neutralising process impact our daily lives?

The Earth's ability to neutralise electrical charges is crucial for maintaining a safe and stable environment for life to thrive. Without this process, we would be at a higher risk of electrical shocks and damage to electronic devices. It also helps to balance the Earth's atmospheric and magnetic conditions, which are essential for supporting life.

5. Can human activities affect the Earth's ability to neutralise charges?

Yes, human activities can have an impact on the Earth's ability to neutralise charges. For example, pollution and deforestation can disrupt the natural electrical conductivity of the Earth's surface, making it more difficult for the Earth to balance charges. Additionally, the use of technology, such as power plants and communication towers, can also introduce excess charges into the environment, altering the Earth's natural electrical balance.

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