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Lightning

Lightning is caused by the polarization of charges within storm clouds, leading to static charge buildup and the eventual discharge of electricity. Lightning rods help mitigate the risk of strikes by directing excess charges into the ground. Common myths about lightning include misconceptions about its frequency, safety measures, and its nature, while facts highlight its power and impact on the environment and human safety.

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Vandana Sharma
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42 views6 pages

Lightning

Lightning is caused by the polarization of charges within storm clouds, leading to static charge buildup and the eventual discharge of electricity. Lightning rods help mitigate the risk of strikes by directing excess charges into the ground. Common myths about lightning include misconceptions about its frequency, safety measures, and its nature, while facts highlight its power and impact on the environment and human safety.

Uploaded by

Vandana Sharma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lightning

Lightning
• Polarization of + and – charges within a storm cloud by
frictional charging and freezing.
• + charges carried to upper portions of cloud and –
portions gravitate to bottom
of clouds.
– Electric field from cloud induces movement of
electrons upon Earth
• Buildings, trees and people can experience a build up of
static charge as electrons are repelled by the cloud’s
bottom.
Anatomy of Lightning
• As static charge buildup increases,
the electric field becomes stronger
• Ionization of surrounding air makes
it more conductive
• Begins with development of a step
leader. Why zigzag?
• Induces a strong positive charge on
earth surface. This charge begins
migrating upward (streamer)
through buildings, trees and people
into the air.
• When step leader meets streamer,
a complete conductive pathway is
mapped out and lightning begins.
Lightning Rods
• Pointed metal pole which extends upward above
the building, is attached by a copper cable to a
grounding rod buried in the Earth below.

“leaks off” excess


charges in the
atmosphere, thus
reducing the likelihood
of a sudden and
explosive discharge.
Myths about Lightning
• Never strikes the same place twice
• Only strikes very tall objects
• Does not strike water
• Could be used as a power source
• Rubber shoes or boots insulate and protect
against a lightning strike
• A metal vehicle is safe because of rubber tires
• “Heat lightning” is a strange phenomenon
caused by hot water or occurs after very hot
summer days and poses no threat.
• Lightning victims are electrified
Facts about Lightning
• The average flash could light a 100-Watt light bulb for more
than three months
• Chances of being struck are estimated to be 1 in 600,000
• Temperature of a flash is 5x hotter than sun’s surface
• Can travel over and through the Earth’s surface
• ~20 million cloud to ground lightning strikes occur in the US
per year
• ~2,000 thunderstorms active throughout the world at any
given time, producing more than 100 flashes/second
• ~26,400 lightning-induced fires/year in the US
• 80% of livestock deaths attributed to lightning strikes
• Second largest storm killer in the US (#1 floods)
• The Guinness Book of World Records lists Roy Sullivan of
Virginia as the human being struck by lightning the most
times: seven. This is one record you don't want to beat!

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