Is Grounding a Shell Equivalent to Zero Electrical Charge?

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Grounding a shell at zero potential does not mean it is devoid of electrical charge; rather, it indicates that any excess charge has been neutralized. A grounded conductor can still possess a net charge, as demonstrated by the example of a hollow conducting sphere with a charge at its center. When the outer surface of the sphere is grounded, positive charge can flow away, leaving the shell with a net negative charge. The discussion clarifies that a neutral conductor contains both positive and negative charges but is not considered "charged" in the context of excess charge. Understanding the distinction between net charge and the presence of charges is crucial in this context.
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When the shell is grounded(at zero potential), it is essentially empty of any electrical charge. Is it true?I think ,yes.But I think it should be

When the shell is grounded, it is essentially empty of any excess electrical charge.
Right?
 
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What's this tread about ? There clearly is a context missing! What shell ? What charge ? What sequence of events ? :smile:
 
Wrong, a grounded conductor can be charged.
 
ehild said:
a grounded conductor can be charged
You mean with non zero net charge?
 
"charged" means nonzero net charge or excess charge. A neutral conductor is not charged in spite that it contains positive ions and negative electrons.
 
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gracy said:
You mean with non zero net charge?
Simple example: hollow conducting sphere with a charge Q at the center, so a mirror charge of -Q on the inside. If it's neutral there is +Q on the outside. If the outside is then grounded,, the +Q flows away. The outside is at zero potential, but the shell has net charge -Q.
 
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Thanks.
I understood now.
 
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