Question

In a lightning discharge, 45 C of charge move through a potential difference of 1.0 x108 V in 0.030 s.A. What is the current of the lightning strike?B. How much energy is released by the lightning bolt?

Answer 1

Given:

Charge, Q = 45 C

Potential difference, V = 1.0 x 10⁸ V

Time, t = 0.030 s

Let's solve for the following:

• (A). What is the current of the lightning strike?

To find the current, apply the formula:

`I=(Q)/(t)`

Where:

I si the current

Q is the charge = 45 C

t is the time = 0.030 s

Thus, we have:

`\begin{gathered} I=(45)/(0.030) \\ \\ I=1500\text{ A} \end{gathered}`

Therefore, the current of the lightning strike is 1500 Amperes.

• (B). How much energy is released by the lightning bolt?

To find the amount of energy released, apply the formula:

`E=V* Q`

where:

E is the Energy released

V is the potential difference, V = 1.0 x 10⁸ V

Q is the charge = 45 C

Thus, we have:

`\begin{gathered} E=1.0*10^8\ast45 \\ \\ E=4.5*10^9\text{ J} \end{gathered}`

Therefore, the energy released is 4.5 x 10⁹ Joules.

ANSWER:

(a). 1500 A

(b). 4.5 x 10⁹ J