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Difference between Earth and Neutral is an important concept from Current Electricity chapter of CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus. The neutral wire behaves like a return conductor for the electric current flowing through the electric circuit. The neutral wire is responsible for completing the AC circuit by taking the current back to the transformer source. An earthing wire on the other hand acts as a safety connection to protect the electrical equipment from electric shock.

Color Coding for the Wires
The earthing and neutral wires differ based on their application, direction of current flow, ability to get converted into one another, and the connection where they are employed. Let us look at some important multiple-choice-based questions from this topic below.
Read More: Difference between Earth and Neutral
Difference between Earth & Neutral MCQs
Ques. How is the neutral of a power system connected to the Earth?
- Through a reactor
- Through a resistor
- Directly
- All of the above
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Ans. The correct option is D. All of the above
Explanation: Neutral earthing is also called system earthing and is connected to the ground. This can be connceted directly, using a resistor or a reactor.
Read More: NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics Current Electricity
Ques. Grounding of substation helps in?
- Providing safety to the working personnel
- Ground connection for a neutral system
- Discharge path for surge arrestors
- All of the above
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Ans. The correct option is D. All of the above
Explanation: Some of the advantages of earthing are:
- providing stable voltage conditions
- preventing voltage peaks during disturbances
- protection against lightning
- discharge path for surge arrestors
Ques. How is the size of an earth wire determined?
- Ampere capacity of wires
- Voltage of wire
- Atmospheric conditions
- None of the above
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Ans. The correct option is A. Ampere capacity of wires
Explanation: Earth wire prevents the live wire from overloading by absorbing electrons and flowing to the ground. Hence, the size of the earth wire is determined by the ampere capacity of the wires.
Ques. What is the minimum size of the earth wire?
- 1 mm2 Cu & 1 mm2 Al
- 1.5 mm2 Cu & 1.5 mm2 Al
- 1 mm2 Cu & 1.5 mm2 Al
- 1 mm2 Cu & 0.5 mm2 Al
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Ans. The correct option is C. 1 mm2 Cu & 1.5 mm2 Al
Explanation: The minimum size of the earth wire for light circuits is 1 mm2 Copper & 1.5 mm2 Aluminium.
Ques. Typical domestic wiring has an earth resistance of
- About 1000 Ohms
- About 100 Ohms
- Very Large
- Less than 5 Ohms
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Ans. The correct option is D. Less than 5 Ohms
Explanation: As per IE rules, for typical domestic wiring the earth resistance is less than 5 Ohms.
Ques. The earth wire is made of _______ material.
- Iron
- Galvanized steel
- Copper
- Aluminium
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Ans. The correct option is B. Galvanized steel
Explanation: Earthing prevents appliances from electric shock. It provides a path for the faulty current to directly flow to the ground. Owing to its mechanical properties, earth wires are made of galvanized steel.
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Ques. What color is recommended for Earth connection?
- Green
- Black
- Blue
- Red
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Ans. The correct option is A. Green
Explanation: The following table gives the color code for the different types of wires:

Ques. What is the use of a ground wire?
- Provide tower support
- Provide good regulation
- Prevent overloading
- To connect a circuit conductor or divide to an earth plate
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Ans. The correct option is D. To connect a circuit conductor or divide to an earth plate
Explanation:
Earth wire prevents live wire from overloading. This is connected to the ground because the earth is the reference point to an electrical circuit.
Ques. Earthing is important as it gives protection against__________.
- Overloading
- Danger from electric shock
- Voltage fluctuation
- The higher temperature of conductors
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Ans. The correct option is B. Danger from electric shock
Explanation: Earthing wire provides an alternative path for the faulty current to flow toward the ground. This helps in protecting people, appliances, and property from unwanted accidents caused due to shocks or electrical mishaps.
Ques. The pipe earthing resistance is regulated by?
- Adding Copper rod
- Adding salt and water
- Replacing conductor
- Replacing earthing rod
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Ans. The correct option is B. Adding salt and water
Explanation: The pipe earthing resistance is regulated by the addition of salt and water. Alternate layers of salt and coke increase the area of the earth and decrease its resistance.
Ques. Two separate earthing in panel board are provided because
- The panel board is made in a metal box
- To control the stray field in the panel
- To reduce the voltage drop in the panel board
- To ensure one earthing in case of other failures
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Ans. The correct option is D. To ensure one earthing in case of other failures
Explanation: In the case of failure of one circuit, the earth's current keeps on flowing through the other circuit and thus, the equipment remains fully protected against the earth's fault.
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