Lightning strikes a swimming pool

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter primarygun
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Lightning Swimming
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the effects of a lightning strike on a swimming pool and the potential consequences for a person swimming in it. Participants explore the electrical behavior of water and the implications of lightning as a high-voltage event, considering both theoretical and practical aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if lightning strikes a swimming pool, it may not create a complete circuit, potentially reducing the risk of severe current affecting a swimmer.
  • Another participant draws a parallel to an electrical cable in water, arguing that if water can transmit electricity, it could lead to the charge from lightning affecting the entire body of a swimmer.
  • A different viewpoint reiterates the concern that while a complete circuit may not be formed, the rapid influx of charge from lightning could still result in a significant current that could harm the swimmer.
  • One participant introduces the concept of an RC circuit, noting that even if not a closed circuit, current can still flow temporarily, and emphasizes that the electrolytic nature of pool water could lead to injury due to the electric field generated by lightning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether a lightning strike would pose a significant risk to a swimmer, with some suggesting that the lack of a complete circuit might mitigate danger, while others argue that the rapid charge transfer could still be harmful. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully agree on the definitions of circuit completeness and the implications of electric fields in electrolytic solutions, leaving some assumptions and conditions unaddressed.

primarygun
Messages
233
Reaction score
0
If a lightning strikes a swimming pool, what happens to me if I am swimming?
I think it is not a complete circuit, so I won't get enormous current.
But, will the sharing of excess charge too fast and I get hurt?
 
Science news on Phys.org
The same answer, if an electricity cable was connected from one end an electricity source and the other end was splashed in water..And u put ur bare leg into this water what will happen to u??

If water molecules can transmit the electiricity to ur leg, it'll transmit the charge of the lightning to ur whole body...
 
but

Nomy-the wanderer said:
The same answer, if an electricity cable was connected from one end an electricity source and the other end was splashed in water..And u put ur bare leg into this water what will happen to u??

If water molecules can transmit the electiricity to ur leg, it'll transmit the charge of the lightning to ur whole body...

If it is not a complete circuit, I won't get hurt.
Nevertheless, lightning bring charges into the pool and my body will get the charge at a high rate resulting a large current?
 
An RC circuit with a battery isn't technically a closed circuit, but there's still current, if only for a while. If your swimming pool is electrolytic (which is almost certainly is), it will have ions that will be affected by the huge electric field. That is, yes, you will get hurt.
 

Similar threads

Saltwater Pool/lightning Scenario for computer game
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
High School Does a lightning rod also avoid lightning?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
7K
Undergrad Swimming in space, it is a possible propulsion?
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
2K
Graduate Frequency Components of a Lightning Strike
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
High School Swimming pool in a rotating space station
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
Why do sodium ions not continuously build up in swimming pools?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate Lightning rods and Corona Discharge
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Graduate What Determines the Zig Zag Pattern of Lightning?
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
8K
Undergrad Variation of the lightning train thought experiment
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
6K
HVAC Attic to Pool Heat Exchange, will car radiator collect heat?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K