We often come across the term “ground” or “earth” in electrical science and even in your daily life. We’re gonna look at 3 aspects of what the term may refer to:
1. Conceptual Significance
Conceptually, the term refers to the fact that we’re using the earth as one of the conducting wires in your system/machine/circuit. And, there are again,
3 reasons that make the planet worth it-
a)It’s huge
b)A good conductor
c)A handy return path for electrons
2. Safety/Home appliances
In any circuit (appliance) we use at home, static electricity builds in the circuit-this excess charge build up may cause fire/explosion. hence, providing ground here, means providing an escape route for the electrons.
3. Circuit Analysis
For the engineers-it helps in solving circuits-it is a reference point in the circuit from which other voltages are measured. So why do we need that?
The answer lies in the fact that electric potential is relative-just like every damn thing in the world. When you’re standing 50 feet high, its relative to the ground, right? Or maybe to the sea level-but, relative, it is.
