IP The Electric Field of the Earth The Earth produces an | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Physics with MasteringPhysics

Chapter 19 Problem 98GP

Question

Problem 98GP

IP The Electric Field of the Earth The Earth produces an approximately uniform electric field at ground level. This electric field has a magnitude of 110 N/C and points radially inward, toward the center of the Earth. (a) Find the surface charge density (sign and magnitude) on the surface of the Earth. (b) Given that the radius of the Earth is 6.38 × 106 m, find the total electric charge on the Earth. (c) If the Moon had the same amount of electric charge distributed uniformly over its surface, would its electric field at the surface be greater than, less than, or equal to 110 N/C? Explain.

Solution

Step 1 of 5

(a)

Here we need to calculate the surface charge density on the surface of the Earth, if the Earth produces a magnetic field of radially inwards towards the center of the Earth.

Given data,

Electric field,  (Negative because the field points radially inwards)

Permittivity of free space,

To find,

Charge density,

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full solution

Title Physics with MasteringPhysics 4 
Author James S. Walker
ISBN 9780321541635

IP The Electric Field of the Earth The Earth produces an

Chapter 19 textbook questions

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