Calculate Distance of Lightning Strike with Temperature and Time | Homework Help

  • Thread starter sciencegeek101
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In summary, to determine the distance of a lightning strike, we can use the formula V(sound) = 331m/s + (0.59)(T) and D = V(T). With a temperature of 15 °C, the speed of sound is calculated to be 339.85 m/s. Multiplying this by the time delay of 7.0 seconds, we get a distance of 2378.95 m. However, it is important to consider significant figures in calculations, so the final answer should be rounded to 2 sig figs, giving us a distance of 2400 m.
  • #1
sciencegeek101
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0

Homework Statement


1. A flash of lightning is seen followed by the sound of the thunder 7.0 s later. If the temperature outside is 15 °C, how far away was the lightning strike?


Homework Equations


V(sound)= 331m/s+(0.59)(T)
D=V(T)


The Attempt at a Solution


V(sound)=331+(0.59)(15)
V(sound)= 339.85

d=VT
d= (339.85)(7)
=2378.95
Therefore the lightning struck 2378.95m away
 
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  • #2
Well done - treating the speed of light as infinite is probably good enough here.
You may want to watch the sig figs though - all measurements are quoted to 2 sig figs. but your answer has six.
 
  • #3
Simon Bridge said:
Well done - treating the speed of light as infinite is probably good enough here.
You may want to watch the sig figs though - all measurements are quoted to 2 sig figs. but your answer has six.

Ok thank you, if I were to put this in significant digits what would the answer be? I am not really familiar with sig digs :/
 
  • #5
.

I would like to point out that the equation used in this attempt is only an approximation and may not be entirely accurate. The speed of sound can vary depending on factors such as humidity and wind. Additionally, the temperature used in the equation is the ambient temperature, not the temperature at the location of the lightning strike. This could also affect the accuracy of the calculation. It would be more accurate to use the equation for the speed of sound at a specific temperature and to measure the time between the flash and thunder more precisely.
 

What is distance and how is it measured?

Distance is the amount of space between two points. It can be measured in various units such as meters, kilometers, miles, etc. The measurement of distance depends on the method used, such as using a ruler, GPS, or other measuring tools.

How can I calculate distance between two points?

The most common way to calculate distance between two points is by using the distance formula, which is √((x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1)^2). The x and y values represent the coordinates of the two points on a graph. Alternatively, you can also use online distance calculators or mapping tools like Google Maps to find the distance between two locations.

What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Distance is the actual length of the path traveled, while displacement is the shortest distance between the starting and ending points. Displacement also includes the direction of travel, while distance only considers the magnitude. For example, if you walk around a circular track and end up at the starting point, your distance would be the length of the track, but your displacement would be zero.

How do I find the distance between two planets?

The distance between two planets can vary greatly depending on their positions in their orbits. To find the distance, you can use the distance formula mentioned above, but instead of coordinates, you would use the orbital radii of the two planets. You can also use online tools like NASA's Solar System Dynamics website to find the exact distance between planets on a specific date.

What are the different types of distance in science?

In science, there are several types of distance, including linear distance, angular distance, and displacement. Linear distance is the physical length between two points, while angular distance is the angle between two lines originating from a common point. Displacement is the shortest distance between two points, as mentioned before. Other types of distance in science include astronomical distance, which is the distance between celestial bodies, and spatial distance, which is the distance between objects in three-dimensional space.

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