Is Earth a conductor?
Answer
576.9k+ views
Hint:Conductors are referred to those substances or bodies which are able to transmit or transfer charges. We can possibly conclude whether Earth is a conductor or not by simply justifying whether it conducts electricity.
Complete step-by-step solution:
Conductors are those substances that do not resist the flow of electric current within themselves. For example copper, silver, gold and many others.
They conduct electricity as they allow the flow of electrons from atom to atom.
Now let us come to the fact whether Earth is a conductor or not. It is concluded that Earth is also a conductor as it allows the flow of electricity.
Reasons-
The Earth has a constant potential reference against which other potentials can be measured. An electrical ground system must have an accurate current-carrying capability to serve as an adequate zero-voltage reference level. In electronic circuit theory, a ‘ground’ is usually referred to as an infinite source or sink for charge, which can absorb an unlimited amount of current without changing its potential. Where a real ground connection or Earth has a significant resistance, the approximation of zero potential is no longer valid.
Additional information: The potential of Earth is $0$. It can be considered that Earth is an infinite storage of negative charge. So, while any charge carrier or current is connected with Earth it readily conducts it and does not react. It is just like pouring one cup of water into the ocean.
Note:It must be noted that moisture in the Earth also plays an important role in the conductance of electricity. If the moisture content in the soil is more than conduction is more while if the moisture content is less than conduction is less.
Complete step-by-step solution:
Conductors are those substances that do not resist the flow of electric current within themselves. For example copper, silver, gold and many others.
They conduct electricity as they allow the flow of electrons from atom to atom.
Now let us come to the fact whether Earth is a conductor or not. It is concluded that Earth is also a conductor as it allows the flow of electricity.
Reasons-
The Earth has a constant potential reference against which other potentials can be measured. An electrical ground system must have an accurate current-carrying capability to serve as an adequate zero-voltage reference level. In electronic circuit theory, a ‘ground’ is usually referred to as an infinite source or sink for charge, which can absorb an unlimited amount of current without changing its potential. Where a real ground connection or Earth has a significant resistance, the approximation of zero potential is no longer valid.
Additional information: The potential of Earth is $0$. It can be considered that Earth is an infinite storage of negative charge. So, while any charge carrier or current is connected with Earth it readily conducts it and does not react. It is just like pouring one cup of water into the ocean.
Note:It must be noted that moisture in the Earth also plays an important role in the conductance of electricity. If the moisture content in the soil is more than conduction is more while if the moisture content is less than conduction is less.
Recently Updated Pages
What is BLO What is the full form of BLO class 8 social science CBSE

Explain the Treaty of Vienna of 1815 class 10 social science CBSE

10 examples of friction in our daily life

Draw a diagram of nephron and explain its structur class 11 biology CBSE

Write structures of the following compounds i 2 Chloro3methylpentane class 11 chemistry CBSE

A Paragraph on Pollution in about 100-150 Words

Trending doubts
What is the Full Form of PVC, PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP and PS ?

Explain the energy losses in the transformer How are class 12 physics CBSE

Draw a well labelled diagram of the human brain class 12 biology CBSE

Differentiate between internal fertilization and external class 12 biology CBSE

State the principle of an ac generator and explain class 12 physics CBSE

What is the Full Form of 1.DPT 2.DDT 3.BCG

