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I'm learning about the notation of grounding.

In this post of Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floating_ground, it is said that

Conductors are also described as having a floating voltage if they are not connected electrically to another non-floating (grounded) conductor. Without such a connection, voltages and current flows are induced by electromagnetic fields or charge accumulation within the conductor rather than being due to the usual external potential difference of a power source.

How can it be possible that if without grounding, the voltage and current are induced by the charge accumulation within the conductor and NOT the potential difference of a power source? If it is the case, then what is the role of a power source here?

Could you please explain me why the quotation above is correct?

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An ungrounded system immersed in an oscillating electromagnetic field can pick up energy from the field. Or, it can have an internal energy source, a battery, for example.

Note that ordinary electric appliances that plug into the wall generally need not be grounded to operate. The return current for the "hot" wire flows back through "neutral" to the utility transformer without flowing through ground. Neutral is normally grounded for safety, to avoid the possibility that it could float to a dangerously high potential, but that's not necessary to deliver energy.

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  • $\begingroup$ Hello, thanks for your answer, but I don't understand why do you mean "a battery" an internal source ? If it is the case, what is an example of external power source according to you ? Thanks. $\endgroup$
    – InTheSearchForKnowledge
    Commented Mar 24 at 21:46
  • $\begingroup$ @InTheSearchForKnowledge Is your cell phone grounded? $\endgroup$
    – John Doty
    Commented Mar 25 at 1:03
  • $\begingroup$ Hello, of course not, but I still can't see your point with that question... Sorry :( $\endgroup$
    – InTheSearchForKnowledge
    Commented Mar 25 at 7:55
  • $\begingroup$ Can you please be more specific ? Thanks!!! $\endgroup$
    – InTheSearchForKnowledge
    Commented Mar 25 at 18:42
  • $\begingroup$ “Note that ordinary electric appliances that plug into the wall generally need not be grounded to operate”. What electrical appliances need to be grounded in order to operate? $\endgroup$
    – Bob D
    Commented Mar 26 at 13:43

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