/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 75 Under normal conditions, the ele... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 19: Problem 75

Under normal conditions, the electric field at the surface of the Earth points downward, into the ground. What is the sign of the electric charge on the ground?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The electric charge on the ground is negative.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Problem

The problem provides that the electric field at Earth's surface points downward. We have to determine the sign of the electric charge on the ground as a result of this field direction.
02

Applying Electric Field Concepts

The direction of an electric field is defined as the direction a positive test charge would move. Here, since the electric field points downward towards the ground, a positive test charge would be attracted downwards.
03

Inferring Charge Sign

Given that the electric field points downwards, this means a positive test charge is attracted towards the ground. Since opposite charges attract, the ground must be negatively charged to attract a positive test charge.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Electric Charge
Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter that causes it to experience a force in an electric field. Charges can be either positive or negative: protons carry a positive charge, while electrons carry a negative charge. The behavior of charges is based on two key principles:

  • Like charges repel each other.
  • Opposite charges attract each other.
The primary carrier of electric charge in everyday objects is electrons. When an object gains extra electrons, it becomes negatively charged; when it loses electrons, it becomes positively charged. Understanding electric charge is crucial for grasping the ideas behind electric fields and interactions between charged objects.
Field Direction
The direction of an electric field is a fundamental concept that's often defined using a positive test charge. This imaginary charge helps in visualizing how other charges would be influenced. The direction in which the positive test charge would naturally move as a result of the electric field indicates the field's direction.

For example, if the field lines point towards the ground, as in our exercise, it suggests that a positive test charge would be pulled towards the earth. This downward direction reveals a lot about the nature of the charges involved and can help us infer the type of charge present on surfaces or materials involved in creating the electric field.
Opposite Charges
Opposite charges play a significant role when there are interactions in an electric field. As a basic principle, opposite charges (positive and negative) attract each other. This rule explains the interaction behaviors noticed in electric fields and is key to solving problems related to charge arrangements.

In our exercise, since the electric field points downward, a positive test charge is pulled towards the ground. Applying the concept of opposite charges attracting, we can infer the ground must hold a negative charge, as only then would it attract the positive test charge towards it. Understanding this interaction helps explain many natural and industrial processes, from how a balloon sticks to a wall after being rubbed against hair, to how batteries function.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The electric flux through each of the six sides of a rectangular box are as follows: \(\Phi_{1}=+150.0 \mathrm{N} \cdot \mathrm{m}^{2} / \mathrm{C}\) \(\Phi_{3}=-350.0 \mathrm{N} \cdot \mathrm{m}^{2} / \mathrm{C}\) \(\Phi_{5}=-100.0 \mathrm{N} \cdot \mathrm{m}^{2} / \mathrm{C}\) \(\Phi_{2}=+250.0 \mathrm{N} \cdot \mathrm{m}^{2} / \mathrm{C}\) \(\Phi_{4}=+175.0 \mathrm{N} \cdot \mathrm{m}^{2} / \mathrm{C}\) \(\Phi_{6}=+450.0 \mathrm{N} \cdot \mathrm{m}^{2} / \mathrm{C}\) How much charge is in this box?

Four point charges are located at the corners of a square with sides of length \(a\). Two of the charges are \(+q\), and two are \(-q .\) Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric force exerted on a charge \(+Q\). located at the center of the square, for each of the following two arrangements of charge: (a) The charges alternate in \(\operatorname{sign}(+q,-q,+q,-q)\) as you go around the square; (b) the two positive charges are on the top corners, and the two negative charges are on the bottom corners.

A proton is released from rest in a uniform electric field of magnitude \(1.08 \times 10^{5} \mathrm{N} / \mathrm{C}\). Find the speed of the proton after it has traveled (a) \(1.00 \mathrm{cm}\) and (b) \(10.0 \mathrm{cm}\)

Suppose two bees, each with a charge of \(93.0 \mathrm{pC}\), are separated by a distance of \(1.20 \mathrm{cm}\). Treating the bees as point charges, what is the magnitude of the electrostatic force experienced by the bees? (In comparison, the weight of a \(0.140-8\) bee is \(\left.1.37 \times 10^{-3} \mathrm{N} .\right)\) A. \(6.01 \times 10^{-17} \mathrm{N}\) B. \(6.48 \times 10^{-9} \mathrm{N}\) \(\mathrm{C} .5 .40 \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{N}\) D. \(5.81 \times 10^{-3} \mathrm{N}\)

Consider a spherical Gaussian surface and three charges: \(q_{1}=1.61 \mu \mathrm{C}, q_{2}=-2.62 \mu \mathrm{C},\) and \(q_{3}=3.91 \mu \mathrm{C} .\) Find the electric flux through the Gaussian surface if it completely encloses (a) only charges \(q_{1}\) and \(q_{2},\) (b) only charges \(q_{2}\) and \(q_{3}\), and \((\mathrm{c})\) all three charges. (d) Suppose a fourth charge, \(Q\), is added to the situation described in part (c). Find the sign and magnitude of Q required to give zero electric flux through the surface.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction

Read Explanation

Turning Points in Physics

Read Explanation

Engineering Physics

Read Explanation

Mechanics and Materials

Read Explanation

Classical Mechanics

Read Explanation

Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.