Final answer:
The grounding system establishes a zero volt reference by connecting to the Earth, neutralizing potential differences, and providing safety for users and electrical systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The grounding system provides an electrical connection to the Earth and establishes a zero volt reference. Through the grounding process, a conductor is connected to the Earth using a good conductor. This connection ensures that the potential difference between the grounded object and the Earth is neutralized, effectively fixing the conductor at zero volts. Grounding is crucial as it provides a reference point, typically assumed to be at zero potential, which is comparable to taking sea level as zero when calculating gravitational potential energy (PEg = mgh).
When electrical appliances are grounded, users are protected from potential electrical shocks and the system itself is safeguarded against electrical overloads. Moreover, when measuring voltage using a meter, the measured potential is compared with ground potential, with ground potential commonly considered to be zero. This assumption simplifies the electrical system much like assuming sea level is zero simplifies calculations for gravitational potential energy.