Chapter 21: Problem 2
Lightning occurs when there is a flow of electric charge (principally electrons) between the ground and a thundercloud. The maximum rate of charge flow in a lightning bolt is about 20,000 C\(/\)s; this lasts for 100 \(\mu\)s or less. How much charge flows between the ground and the cloud in this time? How many electrons flow during this time?
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the given values
Calculate the total amount of charge
Determine the number of electrons
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Lightning
Understanding lightning is crucial because it involves the rapid movement of a large number of electrons. This movement is so large that it creates an electrical current, resulting in dramatic weather effects. Lightning is a clear example of how electrical charge behaves in nature under extreme conditions.
- Occurs between charged regions (cloud and ground) - Involves rapid electron flow - Results in a bright light and sound (thunder) Knowing the basic mechanics of lightning helps us understand electric charge flow better.
Charge flow
To calculate the total charge that flows during a lightning strike, we multiply the rate of charge flow by the time period over which it flows. This gives us a sense of how much electrical "water" has flowed from the cloud to the ground during the strike. Understanding charge flow is key to grasping how electricity behaves, particularly in large-scale phenomena like lightning.
- Measured in Coulombs per second (C/s)
- Determines the strength of the current
- A central concept in understanding electrical circuits and phenomena
Electrons
A single electron carries a very small amount of charge, approximately \(1.6 \times 10^{-19}\) Coulombs. When we speak about the flow of electrons, we often measure it in terms of the collective charge they carry. For instance, during a lightning bolt, an enormous number of electrons move in a short time and are measured in Coulombs.
- Negatively charged subatomic particles
- Form the basis for electrical conductors
- Responsible for carrying electric charge in circuits
Coulombs
The term originates from the French scientist Charles-Augustin de Coulomb, who researched electrostatic and magnetic forces. In our example of a lightning bolt, we have calculated that 2 Coulombs of charge flow between the cloud and the ground in an exceptionally short time period. This highlights the enormous power of lightning, as this huge amount of charge moves in mere microseconds.
- Measures amount of charge- One Coulomb equals \(6.242 \times 10^{18}\) electrons- Central to calculating and understanding electric phenomenaWhether analyzing household electrical devices or natural events like lightning, Coulombs are a critical part of the analysis.
Microseconds
When solving problems related to time, especially with phenomena as fast as lightning strikes, knowing how to convert different time units is crucial. The original problem specifies a duration of 100 microseconds. We convert this to seconds to make calculations feasible using the formula for electric charge.
- 1 microsecond = \(1 \times 10^{-6}\) seconds
- Essential for calculations in fast phenomena
- Helps in precise measurement of electrical effects