- #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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SUMMARY
The discussion clarifies the concept of "ground" in electrical terms, specifically addressing the role of Can Y in supplying free electrons to Can X. It emphasizes that for an object to be considered a true ground, it must maintain a constant potential regardless of electron exchange, which Can Y fails to do. The conversation critiques the terminology used by a physics instructor, suggesting that a more accurate description would be that Can Y serves as a source of excess electrons rather than a ground. The importance of connecting conductors to a zero-volt reference point is also highlighted.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of electrical potential and voltage reference points
- Familiarity with the concept of free electrons in conductors
- Basic knowledge of capacitance and its role in electrical circuits
- Awareness of the terminology used in physics regarding grounding
- Research the principles of electrical grounding and its applications
- Study the concept of capacitance and how it relates to grounding
- Learn about voltage sources and their role in electrical circuits
- Explore common misconceptions in physics terminology related to grounding
Students of physics, electrical engineers, educators seeking clarity on grounding concepts, and anyone interested in understanding electrical circuit fundamentals.
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 ?
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- #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:
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ellieee
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Doc Al said:
that's the video I was watching..
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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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