Final answer:
Grounding, also known as earthing, is the process of connecting a conductor to the Earth to stabilize its potential at zero volts and is a crucial safety measure in electrical systems to prevent excess charge buildup and potential electric shock.
Step-by-step explanation:
A conductive connection to the earth which acts as a protective measure is known as grounding or earthing. This process involves connecting a conductor to the Earth with a good conductor to fix its potential at zero volts. Grounding is an essential safety feature that prevents electric shock and protects electrical equipment from damage by allowing excess electricity to be safely dissipated into the ground.
For example, during the process of charging by induction a metal sphere can be momentarily grounded to balance its electrical charge and prevent unwanted electrical buildup. This is achieved by facilitating a pathway where electrons can be attracted from the Earth which has a large reservoir of charge to balance the conductor's charge. Once the ground connection is remove, the object retains a charge that is opposite to the inducing charge. Objects that are grounded are able to transfer charge to and from Earth's large reservoir, mitigating the risks associated with electrical charges. By providing a direct physical connection to the Earth, grounding serves as a vital precaution in electrical systems and electronic devices.