During a lightning strike, on the order of 10 C of charge is transferred to the

Question

During a lightning strike, on the order of 10 C of charge is transferred to the ground over a potential difference of 6 Times 10^8 V What is the capacitance of the cloud-ground system? Express your answer with the appropriate units. How much energy is stored in the system just before the strike? Express your answer with the appropriate units. As a check on the order of magnitude of your answer for part B, convert the energy released in the lightning strike into liters of gasoline (gasoline has a stored chemical energy of 36 MJ/liter).

Explanation / Answer

A.

Q=CU --> C=Q/U~16.67*10-9 F= 16.67 nF

B.

E=CU2/2=3*109 J=3 GJ

C.

3000/36 ~83.33 liters

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