- #1
ellieee
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they said that Y is acting as the ground, what does it mean?
What does it mean for an object to act as the "ground"?
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Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around the concept of "ground" in electrical contexts, particularly in relation to the behavior of conductors and their ability to supply or maintain charge. Participants are exploring the implications of a specific example involving "Can Y" and its role as a ground.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants are questioning the definition of ground, with some suggesting that the term may have been misapplied in the context of "Can Y." There are discussions about the characteristics required for an object to be considered a ground, such as maintaining constant potential and the ability to supply free electrons.
Discussion Status
The conversation is ongoing, with various interpretations of the term "ground" being explored. Some participants have offered insights into the characteristics of a proper ground, while others have expressed confusion over the terminology used by the instructor. There is no explicit consensus on the definition or application of ground in this scenario.
Contextual Notes
There is a mention of a video that participants are referencing, which may provide additional context to the discussion. The original poster notes a lack of relevant equations or formal homework statements, indicating a more exploratory nature of the inquiry.
they said that Y is acting as the ground, what does it mean?
- #2
Delta2
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It means that Can Y supplies (some of ) its free electrons so that Can X can have negative charge.
But it is some sort of overstatement, because a vital characteristic in order for something to be called ground is not only to be able to give free electrons but also to keep its potential constant regardless of how many electrons it gives or takes. And this thing (constant potential) does not hold for Can Y.
But it is some sort of overstatement, because a vital characteristic in order for something to be called ground is not only to be able to give free electrons but also to keep its potential constant regardless of how many electrons it gives or takes. And this thing (constant potential) does not hold for Can Y.
- #3
Doc Al
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Watch this:
- #4
hmmm27
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Can Y is not the ground in the second frame (nor the first, for that matter. I guess you can only go so far with comic books.)
There are two hands in the second frame ; how many people do you think that is ?
There are two hands in the second frame ; how many people do you think that is ?
Last edited:
- #5
Doc Al
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Indeed. It is sloppily worded.hmmm27 said:
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DaveE
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I think it means you don't have the best physics instructor. That wording is confusing, at best, but I'd say it's just wrong. Perhaps they should have just said "can Y is a source of the excess electrons in can X".ellieee said:
- #7
ellieee
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Doc Al said:
that's the video I was watching..
- #8
alan123hk
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When we say we ground all other conductors, we mean that we connect them to a voltage source of zero volts. Recall that voltage is always defined relative to a reference. For instance, we may take one of the conductors as the ground reference and then measure all absolute voltages relative to this conductor.
We may connect the conductors to a much larger body, one with infinite capacitance. Then charge can be freely removed or added to the ground without changing its potential. In other words, it can be a direct physical connection to the earth.
We may connect the conductors to a much larger body, one with infinite capacitance. Then charge can be freely removed or added to the ground without changing its potential. In other words, it can be a direct physical connection to the earth.
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