Grounding

The Grounding Video Tutorial describes what grounding is and explains how and why it occurs. Numerous examples, animations, and illustrations are provided.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

1. What is grounding and how does it occur?
2. How is the grounding process explained?

Video

You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).

To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:

Additional and Related Learning Tools

Minds On Physics, Mission SE4 in the Static Electricity Module
We will be the first to admit that Minds On Physics (MOP) is not for everyone. But those who can sustain the workout and mental exercise that it provides in careful reading, deep thinking, and conceptual reasoning will be richly rewarded with a solid understanding of a topic. Mission SE4 makes for a perfect follow-up to this video.

Physics Interactives, Static Electricity Chapter, Charging Simulation
You can learn a lot by playing. And with this simulation, you can see those + and - charges as you play with charged balloons and conductors ... and even the grounding rod. But don't play too long ... you probably have some work to do.

Multimedia Physics Studios, Static Electricity Animations
Sometimes you need to see it. And that's what these animations are for. You will find two animations depicting grounding processes. Each is accompanied by a short commentary.
Grounding a Negatively-Charged Electroscope
Grounding a Positively-Charged Electroscope

Physics Classroom Tutorial, Static Elecricity Chapter
Sometimes you need a written reference to freshen up on what you're learning. And that written reference would be the Tutorial section of our website. The following page will be a helpful complement to this video:
Grounding: The Removal of Charge

Teacher Resources

Curriculum Corner, Static Electricity Section
Our Curriculum Corner is composed of a collection of Think Sheets. Each one makes for a great component of any Lesson Plan. They work great for both independent practice exercises and cooperative group exercises. The following Think Sheet makes a great complement to this video:
Charging by Conduction and Grounding

Physics Interactives, Static Electricity Chapter, Charging Simulation
You can learn a lot by playing. And with this simulation, you can see those + and - charges as you play with charged balloons and conductors ... and even a grounding rod. Give your students an opportunity to manipulate variables and experiment with charging and discharging.

Physics Classroom Tutorial, Static Elecricity Chapter
It reads like a book ... but much better. Our Tutorial section has long been the most trafficked section of our website. And for good reason - it's understandable. We recommend leaving links to specific pages on your Course page. The following page will be a helpful complement to this video:
Grounding: The Removal of Charge

Teacher Toolkit: Charge, Charge Interactions, and Charging Methods
Teacher Toolkits provide teachers with a collection of resources that are ideal for planning standards-based, multimedia lessons and units. We've combed the web and selected some of the best, most professional simulations, videos, and other tools that complement the resources present at The Physics Classroom.

Lesson Notes

Download (opens in a new tab) or view below

Slides

Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.