question_answer

The top of the atmosphere is 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 house because: (assume the house to be a steel cage so that there is no field inside)

A)  there is a potential difference 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 dry atmosphere is not a conductor