The earth has a vertical electric field at the surface, pointingdown, that averages 118 N/C. This field is maintained byvarious atmospheric processes, including lightning.Part AWhat is the excess charge on the surface of the earth?Express your answer with the appropriate units.

Answered: The earth has a vertical electric field…

University Physics Volume 2

18th Edition

ISBN:9781938168161

Author:OpenStax

Publisher:OpenStax

Chapter6: Gauss's Law

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 55P: The electric field 10.0 cm from the surface of a copper ball of radius 5.0 cm is directed toward the...

See similar textbooks

Related questions

Concept explainers

Question

The earth has a vertical electric field at the surface, pointing
down, that averages 118 N/C. This field is maintained by
various atmospheric processes, including lightning.
Part A
What is the excess charge on the surface of the earth?
Express your answer with the appropriate units.

Expert Solution

Step 1

The charge distribution over the surface of earth is considered as uniform and symmetric. The charge distribution is perpendicular to gaussian surface.

By using Gauss's law,

$ϕ = \oint \vec{E} . d \vec{s} = \frac{Q e n c}{ε_{\circ}} E A = \frac{Q}{ε_{\circ}}$

as the electric field is pointing downward, so the flux is negative, A is the area of sphere $4 {πR}^{2}$

R is the radius of earth surface.

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

SEE SOLUTION Check out a sample Q&A here

Knowledge Booster

Learn more about

Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.

Similar questions