The earth can be considered as a single-conductor capacitor. It can also be considered in combination with a charged layer of the atmosphere, the ionosphere, as a spherical capacitor with two plates, the surface of the earth being the negative plate. The ionosphere is at a level of about 70 km, and the potential difference between earth and ionosphere is about 350,000 V. Calculate: (a) The capacitance of this system; (b) The total charge on the capacitor; (c) The energy stored in the system.

Answer: A) C = 0.066F

B) Q = 23100C

C) Uc = 4*10³*³j

Explanation:

A) capacitance of a spherical capacitor

C = 4 πϵ. R1 R2 : R2 - R1

Where:

C: Capacitance

R1: radius to the earth surface which is 6400 * 10³ m

R2: radius to the ionosphere is 6400 + 70 = 6470 * 10³ m

ϵ. : permittivity of free space is given as 8.85 * 10¹/¹² C²/N. m²

Potential difference a cross the capacitor is 350,000V

C = 4 π*8.85 * 10¹/¹² (6400 * 10³ * 6470 * 10³ / 70*10³) = 0.066F

C = 0.066F

B) Total charge of the capacitor

C = Q/V

C: is the capacitance

Q: is the charge

V: P. d a cross the capacitor

Since we are solving for the total charge Q = CV

Q = 0.066 * 350000 = 23100C

Q = 23100C

C) the energy stored in the system

Uc = 1/2 QV

Uc = 1/2 * 23100 * 350000 = 4*10³*³j

Uc = 4*10³*³j