Electric field, Equipotential surfaces

In summary, the atmosphere has an electric field that decreases with altitude and is about 100 V/m near the surface of the Earth. However, we do not get electric shock when stepping outside due to our body acting as a conductor and forming an equipotential surface with the Earth. Additionally, the equipotential surfaces around the Earth are concentric and a person falling with a parachute would not experience a shock as the voltage would collapse due to electron flow.
  • #1
Prashasti
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Question :
The top of the atmosphere is at about 400 kV with respect to the surface of the Earth, corresponding to an electric field that decreases with altitude. Near the surface of the Earth, the field is about 100 V/m. Why then we do not get electric shock as we step outside our house into the open?


What has been given in the answer:
When we step outside our house, the equipotential surfaces get distorted and since our body is a conductor, it acts as a part of the Earth. Thus, our body and the Earth form an equipotential surface.

Now, it means that equipotential surfaces around the Earth are concentric with the Earth.
So, accordingly, won't a man falling with a parachute get a shock as he would be falling perpendicularly to the equipotential surfaces and along the electric field?
 
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  • #2
As soon as a few electrons begin to flow, the voltage collapses in the vicinity of a conductive body.
 
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What is an electric field?

An electric field is a physical quantity that describes the force exerted on a charged particle by other charged particles within its vicinity. It is represented by a vector and is measured in units of Newtons per Coulomb.

How is an electric field created?

An electric field is created when a charged particle, such as an electron or a proton, is present in a given space. The charge of the particle creates an electric field that extends outwards in all directions.

What are equipotential surfaces?

Equipotential surfaces are imaginary surfaces that represent points in space that have the same electric potential. This means that if a charged particle is placed on an equipotential surface, it will experience no net force.

How do equipotential surfaces relate to electric fields?

Equipotential surfaces are always perpendicular to electric field lines. This means that the electric field is always tangent to the equipotential surface at any given point. Additionally, the spacing between equipotential surfaces represents the strength of the electric field, with closer spacing indicating a stronger field.

How are electric fields and equipotential surfaces used in practical applications?

Electric fields and equipotential surfaces are used in a variety of practical applications, including in the design of electronic devices, power transmission systems, and medical equipment. They are also used in electrostatic painting, particle accelerators, and other industrial processes.

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