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Anybody know why electric charge is attracted to the Earth (ground) ?
Originally posted by username
Anybody know why electric charge is attracted to the Earth (ground) ?
Electric charge is attracted to the earth (ground) due to the fundamental principle of electrical attraction between opposite charges. The earth has an abundance of negative charges, which are attracted to positive charges. This creates an equilibrium that allows for the transfer of electric charges between objects.
The earth becomes charged with electricity through various processes, such as lightning strikes, solar wind, and the natural movement of charged particles in the atmosphere. Additionally, human activities like power generation and lightning protection systems can also contribute to the buildup of electric charge in the earth.
No, the earth is not the only source of electric charge attraction. While the earth does have a significant amount of negative charge, other objects and materials can also hold electric charge and be attracted to the earth. For example, objects made of metal or water can conduct electricity and become charged.
The earth is used as a reference point for electric charge because it has a large, stable amount of negative charge and is readily available. Additionally, the earth acts as a natural ground for electrical systems, providing a safe path for excess electric charge to dissipate.
In most cases, electric charge is attracted to the earth (ground). However, under certain circumstances, electric charge can be repelled by the earth. For example, if two objects with the same type of charge are brought close to each other, they will repel each other instead of being attracted to the earth.