Three basic types of lightning, CG(cloud to ground), CC(cloud to cloud) and GC(ground to cloud). The cloud to cloud is the most common the plane just looks like a big wire. The current can be quite large and can damage radio and other electronics on board.
Most planes have a metal skin and the current flows on the outside rarely being an issue for people inside. Same if you are in a car that is hit, current passes over the body of the car leaving you unharmed. The technical term is Faraday cage. Hope that helps. Jeff
Most planes have a metal skin and the current flows on the outside rarely being an issue for people inside. Same if you are in a car that is hit, current passes over the body of the car leaving you unharmed. The technical term is Faraday cage. Hope that helps. Jeff
-
uhhhh hey is incorrect.
the earth acts as a massive capacitor and stores a charge. when the potential difference is high enough, arcing occurs between the earth and the atmosphere.
however, once the charge travels up to the cloud, it is discharged by the cloud and travels back to the ground
the earth acts as a massive capacitor and stores a charge. when the potential difference is high enough, arcing occurs between the earth and the atmosphere.
however, once the charge travels up to the cloud, it is discharged by the cloud and travels back to the ground
-
There are three kinds of lightning, CG(cloud to ground), GC(ground to cloud), and CC(cloud to cloud). Lightning is a big static electric discharge. This static electric buildup needs a path of least resistance to ground.
-
Who said lightning starts from the ground?
It seeks a ground
It seeks a ground