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What does lightning have in common with the shock you receive when you touch a door knob?

User Miz
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Final answer:

Both lightning and the shock you receive from a doorknob are related to electric charge and involve a buildup and discharge of electrical energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Both lightning and the shock you receive when you touch a doorknob are phenomena related to electric charge. Lightning occurs when a difference in electrical charge builds up in a cloud relative to the ground, and a sudden discharge of electricity occurs. Similarly, when you touch a doorknob, the excess electrons on your body transfer to the doorknob, resulting in a spark and a slight shock.

One commonality between lightning and the doorknob shock is the transfer of electric charge. In both cases, there is a buildup of electric charge that leads to a discharge. Additionally, both lightning and the shock demonstrate the repulsion of like charges. For example, in the case of the doorknob shock, the excess electrons on your body want to be as far away from each other as possible, so they move to the doorknob. Similarly, in a lightning strike, the buildup of charge in the cloud and ground leads to a discharge.

User Jordan McCullough
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