Turbulent motions in thunderstorms cause charge separations that result in very large potential differences between the clouds and the ground. When lightning occurs, a large amount of charge is transferred between the cloud and the ground. If 46.7 C of charge are transferred in a specific lightning strike and the potential difference is ∆V = 10.65 MV, how much energy is released in this lightning strike?

Question

Camille Ballard

Physics

25 March, 08:25

Turbulent motions in thunderstorms cause charge separations that result in very large potential differences between the clouds and the ground. When lightning occurs, a large amount of charge is transferred between the cloud and the ground. If 46.7 C of charge are transferred in a specific lightning strike and the potential difference is ∆V = 10.65 MV, how much energy is released in this lightning strike?

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Answers (1)

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Pecan · Answer 1

E = 4.9735 * 10⁸ J

Explanation:

Given:

Charge transferred, q = 46.7 C

Potential difference, ΔV = 10.65 MV = 10.65 * 10⁶ V

Now, the relation between the energy (E), charge (q) and the potential difference is given as:

E = qΔV

on substituting the values in the above equation, we get

E = 46.7 * 10.65 * 10⁶ V

or

E = 4.9735 * 10⁸ J

Hence, the energy released is 4.9735 * 10⁸ J