(a) Regarding the Earth and a cloud layer 900 m above the Earth as the \"plates\

Question

(a) Regarding the Earth and a cloud layer 900 m above the Earth as the "plates" of a capacitor, calculate the capacitance of the Earth–cloud layer system. Assume the cloud layer has an area of 1.00 km2 and the air between the cloud and the ground is pure and dry. Assume charge builds up on the cloud and on the ground until a uniform electric field of 2.00 106 N/C throughout the space between them makes the air break down and conduct electricity as a lightning bolt.
nF

(b) What is the maximum charge the cloud can hold?
C

Explanation / Answer

For the second part V = Ed = 2*10^6 * 900 = 18 * 10^8 volts

we know C =9.8 nF

Q = CV = 9.8 *10^-9 * 18 * 10^8 = 17.64 coulombs

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse #
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.