Question

The top of the atmosphere is at about $400\, kV$ with respect to the surface of the earth, corresponding to an electric field that decreases with altitude. Near the surface of the earth, the field is about $100 \,Vm^{-1}$. Still, we do not get an electric shock as we step out of our house into the open because (assume the house to be a steel cage so that there is no field inside)

• A. there is a pd between our body and the ground
• B. $100\, Vm^{-1}$ is not a high electric field so that we do not feel the shock.
• C. our body and the ground forms an equipotential surface.
• D. the atmosphere is not a conductor

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

the atmosphere is not a conductor

Answer 2

Dry atmosphere is not a conductor. Only when top of the atmosphere increases to a very large value and there is moisture in the air the lightning strikes the ground. Since $400\, kV$ is not very high voltage so, it will not strike the ground.