Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 17 - Electric Potential - General Problems - Page 499: 89

Answer

1.7 million volts.

Work Step by Step

The potential of the Earth goes up because the previously electrically neutral Earth will now be charged. The new charge will be the elementary charge, e, multiplied by the number of electrons removed. $$Q=(1.602\times10^{-19}C)(\frac{10e}{H_2O)})(\frac{6.02\times10^{23}H_2O}{0.018kg})(\frac{1000kg}{m^3})\frac{4\pi}{3}(0.00175m)^3=1201C$$ Assume that the excess charge is distributed symmetrically. $$V=\frac{kQ}{R_{Earth}}=\frac{8.99\times10^9}{6.38\times10^6 m}(1201C) =1.7\times10^{6}V $$
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