Question

How many seconds will elapse between seeing lightning and hearing the thunder if the lightning strikes 5.0 mi (26,400 ft) away and the air temperature is 83.6°F?

Answer 1

Time taken = 23.10 sec (Approx)

Explanation:

Given:

Distance of lighting = 5 mi = 26,400 ft

Air temperature =83.6°F = 28.67°FC

Computation:

Speed of the sound

V = 331 + 0.61 × T

V = 331 + 0.6 × 28.67

V = 348.202 m/s

Distance = 5 mi = 8,046.72 m

Time taken = Distance / Speed

Time taken = 8,046.72 / 348.202

Time taken = 23.10 sec (Approx)