24 lines
883 B
Markdown
24 lines
883 B
Markdown
---
|
|
tags: [physics, electricity]
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
# Ground
|
|
|
|
The term 'ground' is used as a general reference for 'zero potential': the point
|
|
in an electrical circuit where there is no potential difference between the
|
|
positive and negative terminals of the voltage source.
|
|
|
|
As a consequence of the lack of potential, ground is a point at which no current
|
|
can be generated.
|
|
|
|
The term originates from domestic electrical systems where the circuit box is
|
|
literally attached to the ground (represented by the green and yellow ribboned
|
|
wires in plug sockets and light fixtures etc) where current is discharged to
|
|
prevent appliances emitting electrical shocks.
|
|
|
|
In circuit diagrams with simple DC current, ground is taken to be the negative
|
|
terminal of the voltage source.
|
|
|
|
The symbol for ground in circuit diagrams:
|
|
|
|
<img src="/home/thomas/repos/computer_science/img/ground-symbol.png" width="300px">
|