Car Struck by Lightning: Faraday Cage or Skin Effect?

In summary, the conversation discusses the two main explanations for why cars are safe during lightning strikes: the Faraday cage theory and the skin effect theory. The latter is supported by Dr. Davis from the Boston Museum of Science, but there is still debate over which theory is correct. The conversation also mentions a thread on Physics Forums that delves deeper into this topic.
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hiskeyd
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Most places I've read say it's because the car forms a Faraday cage, but a few say that is incorrect and that it's actually from the skin effect. The notable case of the latter explanation is from the Boston Museum of Science: http://www.mos.org/sln/toe/cage.html

This guy, Dr. Davis from the Boston Museum of Science, also is cited all over the place in news articles as stating it's because of the skin effect. Is he right or is pretty much everybody else write and he's wrong?

A detailed explanation would be much appreciated as I've read both sides of the argument and they both seem pretty convincing.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org

1. What is a Faraday Cage?

A Faraday Cage is a conductive enclosure designed to protect its contents from external electric fields. It works by channeling the electric charge around the outside of the cage, leaving the inside unaffected.

2. How does a Faraday Cage protect a car from lightning?

When a car is struck by lightning, the charge from the lightning bolt travels along the metal exterior of the car and is then discharged to the ground. The metal frame of the car acts as a Faraday Cage, directing the electric charge around the occupants inside the car and protecting them from harm.

3. What is the Skin Effect?

The Skin Effect is a phenomenon where the flow of electric current tends to concentrate on the surface of a conductor, rather than evenly spreading throughout the entire cross-section. This effect is more pronounced at high frequencies, such as those produced by lightning strikes.

4. How does the Skin Effect contribute to the protection of a car from lightning?

The Skin Effect causes the electric charge from a lightning bolt to flow along the metal exterior of a car, rather than penetrating through to the interior. This helps to protect the occupants of the car, as the charge is directed around them rather than through them.

5. Are all cars protected by Faraday Cages or the Skin Effect?

No, not all cars are protected by Faraday Cages or the Skin Effect. Modern cars with metal frames are more likely to have some level of protection, but cars with carbon fiber or fiberglass frames do not provide the same level of protection. It is always best to seek shelter in a building during a lightning storm, rather than relying on a car's protection.

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