When lightning strikes the ground, it generates a large | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for College Physics

Chapter 22 Problem 17CQ

Question

Problem 17CQ

When lightning strikes the ground, it generates a large electric field along the surface of the ground directed toward the point of the strike. People near a lightning strike are often injured not by the lightning itself but by a large current that flows up one leg and down the other due to this electric field. To minimize this possibility, you are advised to stand with your feet close together if you are trapped outside during a lightning storm. Explain why this is beneficial.

Hint: The current path through your body, up one leg and down the other, has a certain resistance. The larger the current along this path, the greater the damage.

Solution

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The first step in solving 22 problem number trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Problem 17CQWhen lightning strikes the ground, it generates a large electric field along the surface of the ground directed toward the point of the strike. People near a lightning strike are often injured not by the lightning itself but by a large current that flows up one leg and down the other due to this electric field. To minimize this possibility, you are advised to stand with your feet close together if you are trapped outside during a lightning storm. Explain why this is beneficial.Hint: The current path through your body, up one leg and down the other, has a certain resistance. The larger the current along this path, the greater the damage.
From the textbook chapter Current and Resistance you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.

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full solution

Title College Physics 12 
Author Randall D. Knight
ISBN 9780321595492

When lightning strikes the ground, it generates a large

Chapter 22 textbook questions

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