Why the earth is zero potential?

[Physicsissuef]

NoTime, Integral?
NoTime: You want to say that the Earth have no resistance to current?
Integral: You say that everyone can manipulate with the potential of the earth? And If so how?

 

[Integral]

PLEASE STATE YOUR QUESTION IN A CLEAR AND CONCISE MANNER>


The power company sets Earth ground as a reference point. They do NOT manipulate it they call it zero and measure the produced voltage with respect to it. Your home wiring is the same.

 

[Andy Resnick]

I would just like to point out that although most people correctly state that the Earth is assigned a zero potential for convenience, there are real consequences.

Electrical systems of both ships at sea and spacecraft require special considerations. Working on electrical systems on a metal ship that is in intimate contact with ground requires care, and maintaining electrical 'coherence' between the space station and the space shuttle as the shuttle moves from the Earth into orbit is not trivial.

 

[Daz87uk]

Why Zero, Simply because its under our feet and its convenient. The Earth has a magnetic field this effects Electrical equipment and conductors around us, but as how to define it as Zero simply Joining to Disimular Conductors together makes them Equal or Zero potential. Same theory as Farendays Cage, you're in the potential Zone so you will not get an electric shock. Step out of this zero potential and your toast. Electricity wants a simple way to Earth and by Earth we mean Zero, become that Zero and it will simply ignore you. Correct me if I am wrong but that's generally how it works.

 

[Daz87uk]

Why Zero, Simply because its under our feet and its convenient. The Earth has a magnetic field this effects Electrical equipment and conductors around us, but as how to define it as Zero simply Joining to Disimular Conductors together makes them Equal or Zero potential. Same theory as Farendays Cage, you're in the potential Zone so you will not get an electric shock. Step out of this zero potential and your toast. Electricity wants a simple way to Earth and by Earth we mean Zero, become that Zero and it will simply ignore you. Correct me if I am wrong but that's generally how it works.

also Earth is not in itself Zero it has Resistance it can be used as a conductor. but by wiring things so "earth wires" go to ground (Soil) our electrical conductors equilize with the Ground creating a Zero potential or a place where live connections can fault and go directly to Earth instead of the unlucky guys hand. or basically it just wants to return with little resistance as possiable. (dont get in its way lol)

sorry this is the best i can explain as I am still learning Electrical Theory myself. :)