Question

Lightning is a very good example of a natural current. In typical lightning, there is 10⁹ J energy transfer across the potential difference of 5 × 10⁷ V during a time interval of 0.2 s. Using this information, estimate the following quantities:

1. the total amount of charge transferred between cloud and ground
2. the current in the lightning bolt
3. the power delivered in 0.2 s.

Answer 1

Given data: E = 10⁹J, V = 5 × 10⁷ V, t = 0.2s

(a) Total amount of charge-

W = qv `=> "q" = "W"/"V" = "E"/"V" = 10^9/(5 xx 10^7) = 0.2 xx 10^2`

q = 20 C

(b) current, I = `"q"/"t" = 20/0.2 = 200/2 = 100`

I = 100 A

(c) Power, P = VI = `5 xx 10^7 xx 100 = 5 xx 10^9`