Potential Difference: 4.2 C Charge & 4.5 MJ Energy Boil/Vaporize

Thread starter Mhchurch4
Start date Jan 30, 2008
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Difference Potential Potential difference

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A lightning flash transfers 4.2 coulombs of charge and 4.5 megajoules of energy to the Earth, leading to discussions about the potential difference involved. To find the potential difference, the formula V = E/Q is applied, where V is potential difference, E is energy, and Q is charge. This results in a calculated potential difference of approximately 1,071,428 volts. Additionally, the energy transfer can be used to determine how much water can be boiled and vaporized, with calculations based on the specific heat of water and the latent heat of vaporization. The discussion emphasizes the relationship between energy, charge, and potential difference in practical scenarios.

Jan 30, 2008

Mhchurch4

A lightning flash transfers 4.2 C of charge and 4.5 MJ of energy to the Earth.

(a) Across what potential difference did it travel?

(b) How much water could this boil and vaporize, starting from room temperature?

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Jan 30, 2008

rock.freak667

Homework Helper

Right right...What do you think you need to do for the first part, well rather how do you think you need to do it?

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