Between the earth's surface and the ionosphere,
A)a large voltage difference occurs only when thunderstorms are present.
B)a large voltage difference always exists.
C)a very small voltage difference usually exists.
D)a very small voltage difference occurs only when thunderstorms are present.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A large voltage difference always exists between the earth's surface and the ionosphere. This is due to the presence of electrically charged particles in the ionosphere and the earth's surface being a good conductor of electricity. This voltage difference is called the global electric circuit and has a magnitude of several hundred thousand volts. Thunderstorms can momentarily disrupt this circuit and create local variations in the voltage.

Between the Earth's Surface and the Ionosphere