Why Doesn't Lightning Pull the Cloud to the Ground?

  • Thread starter Thread starter gabby989062
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Lightning
AI Thread Summary
Lightning occurs due to the induction of opposite charges between clouds and the ground. While the Earth does attract the cloud, this force is minimal and insufficient to pull the cloud down significantly. The phenomenon of hair standing on end before a lightning strike indicates the presence of a strong electric field. This electric field can create a potential difference that leads to lightning. Ultimately, the interaction between the cloud and the ground is complex, but the attraction does not result in the cloud being pulled to the ground.
gabby989062
Messages
20
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



We were reading about lightning and how the cloud has a different charge than the ground. We know that lightning happens because of induction. But if the charges are different, why doesn't the Earth pull the cloud to the ground, or repel it higher into the air?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


 
Physics news on Phys.org
It wouldn't repel the cloud, since the charges are opposite; but it does attract the cloud, although it is a very small movement. More noticeable might be your hair standing up straight up on end just before the bolt strikes...if it does, you're in big trouble...crouch low, click those heels together, block your ears, ...and pray:wink: ...
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Calculating Energy Transferred in Lightning Flashes & Thunderstorms
Replies
14
Views
3K
Electric Potential Difference during thunder storm
Replies
12
Views
5K
How Fast Does a Tornado Travel If Lightning Strikes Twice?
Replies
10
Views
5K
Can a Community College Lab Simulate Real Lightning Conditions?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Lightning rods and Corona Discharge
Replies
10
Views
3K
Special Relativity and lightning
Replies
18
Views
5K
Lightning strikes energy question
Replies
1
Views
2K
Current through swimmer due to lightning strike
Replies
8
Views
5K
Limit to generating static electricity via contact?
Replies
3
Views
9K
How do sharp ended lightning rods reduce the probability of lightning strikes?
Replies
13
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top