Does lightening cause a form of cavitation?

In summary, the conversation discusses the connection between lightning and cavitation of air. It is noted that while cavitation typically requires a liquid, the intense heat and rapid expansion of air caused by lightning can create a similar effect. The phenomenon is not exactly the same as traditional cavitation, but it still produces a loud sound, similar to thunder. Further research on the topic is recommended.
  • #1
THORPE
41
0
Does lightning cause cavitation of air much like in a normal fluid?

It moves through the air so fast it has the same effect and then we hear thunder as a result?
 
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  • #2
Cavitation is the creation of bubbles that release energy when they pop. I don't think just air can form bubbles by itself, it would need a liquid to contain it. The lightning is ionizing the air and heating it to a plasma. I don't know if there are such thing as plasma bubbles and so I don't know the answer to your question.
 
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  • #3
Dragon is correct, that this cannot be cavitation the way we normally understand the term. But it is something similar. With such rapid heating of the air, you have very rapid expansion. That is followed by very rapid cooling and a collapse of the air back to something close to its original volume. This is what makes the noise.

In cavitation, you have a rapid expansion of a gas bubble, followed very quickly by its collapse. Similar, but different.
 
  • #4
From Wikipedia:
"Because the electrostatic discharge of terrestrial lightning superheats the air to plasma temperatures along the length of the discharge channel in a short duration, kinetic theory dictates gaseous molecules undergo a rapid increase in pressure and thus expand outward from the lightning creating a shock wave audible as thunder. Since the sound waves propagate, not from a single point source, but along the length of the lightning's path, the sound origin's varying distances from the observer can generate a rolling or rumbling effect."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning

Cavitation in fluids is quite different from lightning. You may Google it to learn more.
 
  • #5


I can say that lightning does indeed cause a form of cavitation. When lightning strikes, it rapidly heats up the air around it, causing it to expand and create a shock wave. This rapid expansion of air can lead to the formation of cavitation bubbles, which are areas of low pressure that can cause water vapor in the air to condense and form clouds. These cavitation bubbles can also lead to the loud sound of thunder that we hear. So, in a way, lightning does cause cavitation of air similar to what happens in a normal fluid. However, it is important to note that the process of cavitation is more complex and involves factors such as temperature, pressure, and fluid properties. Therefore, while lightning can cause a form of cavitation, it may not be exactly the same as what occurs in a fluid.
 

1. Does lightening cause a form of cavitation?

Yes, lightening can cause a form of cavitation. When a bolt of lightening strikes a body of water, it can create a shock wave that leads to the formation of tiny bubbles. These bubbles then collapse rapidly, creating a shock wave that can cause damage to nearby objects.

2. How does lightening cause cavitation?

Lightening causes cavitation through a process called electrohydraulic cavitation. When the bolt of lightening strikes the water, it creates a high electric field which leads to the formation of bubbles. These bubbles then collapse, creating shock waves that can reach speeds of up to 100,000 miles per hour.

3. Can cavitation caused by lightening be dangerous?

Yes, cavitation caused by lightening can be dangerous. The shock waves produced by the collapsing bubbles can cause damage to nearby objects, and the high temperatures generated can also pose a risk. In addition, the loud noise produced by cavitation can be harmful to human hearing.

4. Is cavitation caused by lightening common?

Cavitation caused by lightening is relatively common, especially in areas where thunderstorms occur frequently. However, it may not always be noticeable as it can happen below the surface of the water. Scientists are still studying the extent of lightening-induced cavitation and its effects on the environment.

5. Can lightening-induced cavitation be harnessed for practical uses?

Yes, lightening-induced cavitation can be harnessed for various practical uses. For example, it can be used in the treatment of contaminated water and in the cleaning of wastewater. It can also be used to generate energy through the production of shock waves, which can be converted into electricity.

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