Question

What is the power of a 1.00×10^2 MV lightning bolt having a current of 2.00 × 10^4 A?

a. 2.00 × 10^6 W
b. 2.00 × 10^8 W
c. 2.00 × 10^10 W
d. 2.00 × 10^12 W

Answer 1

The power of a 1.00×10² MV lightning bolt with a current of 2.00 × 10⁴ A is calculated using the power formula P = IV. After converting megavolts to volts, the power is found to be 2.00 × 10±² W, which corresponds to option (d).

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the power of a lightning bolt, we use the formula P = IV, where P is power in watts (W), I is current in amperes (A), and V is voltage in volts (V). In the case of the given lightning bolt, the stated voltage is 1.00×10² megavolts (MV), which is equivalent to 1.00×10²×10¶ volts, since 1 MV = 10¶ V. The current is given as 2.00 × 10⁴ A. Thus, we calculate the power as follows:

P = (1.00×10² MV) × (2.00 × 10⁴ A)

P = (1.00×10²×10¶ V) × (2.00 × 10⁴ A)

P = (1.00×10¸ V) × (2.00 × 10⁴ A)

P = 2.00 × 10¸ × 10⁴ W

P = 2.00 × 10¸×10⁴ W

P = 2.00 × 10¸×(10µ) W

P = 2.00 × 10±³ W

P = 2.00 × 10±² W

Therefore, the power of a 1.00×10² MV lightning bolt having a current of 2.00 × 10⁴ A is 2.00 × 10±² watts (option d).