The magnitude of the average electric field normally present in the atmosphere just above the surface of the Earth is about \(150\, N/C\), directed inward towards the center of the Earth . This gives the total net surface charge carried by the Earth to be......\(kC\) [Given \({\varepsilon _0} = 8.85 \times {10^{ - 12}}\,{C^2}/N - {m^2},{R_E} = 6.37 \times {10^6}\,m\)]

Apply the relevant identity from the chapter and substitute the values established in the previous step, keeping the original constraint in view.

Use the simplified expression to isolate the unknown, then plug the result back into the question setup to confirm the working is internally consistent.

Cross-check against a boundary or limiting case. Both the dimensional balance and the qualitative behaviour at the extreme should agree with the candidate answer.

Combine the steps above to identify the correct option. The remaining choices each fail at least one of the consistency, dimensional, or boundary checks.