Question

The Earth has an inwardly directed electric field that varies slightly depending on location and altitude. Make the simplifying assumption that this field is a constant 85 N/C and directed toward Earth’s center.

a. What is the net charge on the Earth's surface?

Answer 1

To calculate the net charge on Earth's surface, you can use the formula Q = EA, where Q is the net charge, E is the electric field, and A is the surface area.

Step-by-step explanation:

The net charge on Earth's surface can be calculated using the formula:

Q = EA

where Q is the net charge, E is the electric field, and A is the surface area.

Given that the electric field is a constant 85 N/C and directed toward Earth's center, we can assume that the net charge is uniformly distributed on the surface. Therefore, the net charge can be calculated by multiplying the electric field by the surface area of Earth:

Q = (85 N/C)(4πr^2)

where r is the radius of Earth.

The net charge on Earth's surface can vary depending on the assumptions made, but in this case, we are assuming a constant electric field throughout the surface of Earth.