Whats the acceleration of an electron in lightning?

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SUMMARY

The acceleration of an electron in lightning can be calculated using the equation a=qE/m, where 'a' represents acceleration, 'q' is the charge of the electron, 'E' is the electric field strength, and 'm' is the mass of the electron. The discussion raises curiosity about the Unruh effect and its potential impact on temperature changes in lightning, represented by the equation T=h(bar)a/(2(pie)ck). Additionally, concerns are expressed regarding the implications of acceleration exceeding the speed of light, despite the constraints of relativity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical electromagnetism, specifically electric fields.
  • Familiarity with the properties of electrons, including charge and mass.
  • Knowledge of the Unruh effect and its implications in quantum physics.
  • Basic grasp of the theory of relativity and its limitations regarding speed of light.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the calculation of electric field strength in lightning using tools like MATLAB or Python.
  • Explore the Unruh effect in detail through academic papers or resources like arXiv.org.
  • Investigate the implications of relativistic speeds in particle physics and their relevance to electron behavior.
  • Learn about the relationship between temperature and acceleration in high-energy physics contexts.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students interested in the behavior of particles in extreme conditions, particularly those studying lightning and quantum effects.

clearwater304
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I thought nothing can accelerate past the speed of light according to the theory of relativity. Why does using either one of those links suggest accelerations that lead to speeds greater than the speed of light even with less than 1 second of travel?
 

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