Question

Lightning occurs when there is a flow of electric charge (principally electrons) between the ground and a thundercloud. assume that the rate of charge flow in a lightning bolt is about 24000 c/s and this lasts for 105 µs or less. how much charge flows between the ground and the cloud in this time?

Answer 1

Given:
The rate of charge flow in the lightning bolt is 24000 C/s = 24×10³ C/s.
Duration of charge flow = 105 μs = 105×10⁻⁶ s

By definition, the current flow is
I = (24×10³)/(105×10⁻⁶) = 2.286×10⁸ A = 228.6 MA (mega amps)

Answer: 228.6 MA