Physics 12.1.6a - Lightning, Part 1

Lightning. From the physics course by Derek Owens. The distance learning course is available at http://www.derekowens.com

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Education

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• Physics
• lightning
• homeschool
• distance learning
• Derek Owens

[JonathanAnonymous]

I have a quick question. If the protons on the ground are "stuck" within the nuclei, how can there be ground-to-cloud lightning? I hope this makes sense. Thank you.

[derekowens]

I think (although I'm not sure, and also realize that lightning is not perfectly understood and people debate about this) that the polarization in the cloud could be either way. So the bottom of the cloud could be positive, in which case it would attract electrons from the ground.

[6bikal6]

thank you so much. I have question can we be safe to walk in storm if we were a thick rubber shoe? Or will it be a suicidal act?

[derekowens]

My own guess is that a thick rubber shoe might not offer much protection. I think it also might be different if you were on a flat surface, such as concrete, or on grass, where the grass might reach up and make substantial contact above the rubber sole. I'm just guessing, though. Not something you want to experiment with!

[terratec365]

@ 5m10s - 100 strikes per second is an old estimate. With satellite detection, it is now calculated at between 39~49 strikes per second.

[TheUtahraptor1]

I would say crouching is safer, although I am not sure. From what I hear, crouching makes you a smaller target, and if lightning were to strike near you, it could only go through your ankles. But lying down, especially when wet, means that if it strikes near you, you can still get it going through your whole body . I am not sure if this is true or not, what do you think? Thanks for uploading this by the way!

[TheUtahraptor1]

I had a thunderstorm yesterday, and I felt all tingly while I was outside. Was that me becoming positively charged? From what I hear, if I feel that, i could be killed. I'm an idiot. lol.

[elgorre]

Thanks alot for the explanation! i really liked your method of explaining things! Have an awesome day! and be sure that i will subscribe, watch, like and favorite your videos!

[derekowens]

Yes, and that's a good question. A person lying on the ground would not tend to have charge concentrating on them as strongly as a person standing up in a more "pointy" orientation. As far as I understand it, that should be a safer position.

[1990Shaolin]

i have one question Mr. Owens...it may sound a little bit silly, but i was wondering..you say "pointy" things at an open area charge more easily...does that mean that if a person is standing at a large area during a big storm (and assume he is the only "pointy" thing out there),and he decides to lye down to the floor,( so that now he is one with the ground),would that decrease his chances of being hit by a lightning???

[TheAtheistSocialist]

Thanks so much.

[GabloFX2]

You should've also put an XBOX inside the house when you were drawing the ground stuff. GREAT EXPLANATION LOVE YOUR VID!!.