Electric field, Equipotential surfaces

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of electric fields and equipotential surfaces in relation to the Earth's atmosphere. It is established that the Earth's surface has an electric field strength of approximately 100 V/m, and as one steps outside, the equipotential surfaces distort, allowing the human body, acting as a conductor, to align with the Earth's potential. This alignment prevents electric shock. Additionally, it is clarified that a person falling with a parachute does not experience shock due to the rapid collapse of voltage around conductive bodies, which stabilizes the electric potential.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and their measurement
  • Knowledge of equipotential surfaces and their properties
  • Familiarity with the concept of electrical conductivity in materials
  • Basic principles of electrostatics and voltage behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electric field strength and its measurement techniques
  • Study the characteristics and applications of equipotential surfaces in electrostatics
  • Explore the behavior of conductive materials in electric fields
  • Learn about the effects of voltage collapse around conductive bodies in electrostatic environments
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the interactions between electric fields and conductive materials in atmospheric conditions.

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?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
As soon as a few electrons begin to flow, the voltage collapses in the vicinity of a conductive body.
 
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