The top of the atmosphere is at about 400 kV ,with respect to the surface or the earth, corresponding to an electric field that decreases with altitude. Near the surracc of the earth, chc field is about 100 `Vm^(-1)` . Why then do we not get an electric shock as we step out of our house into the open ? (Assume lhe house to be a steel cage so there is no field inside) .

Explanation

Since our body and the surface of earth are conducting they form an equipotential swface. The equipotential surface of open air are parallel to the surface of earth. As we step out into open from our house, the original equipotential surface of open air get modified keeping our body and ground at the same potential since there is no potential difference between our body and the ground, we do not get any electric shock.