Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 17 - Electric Potential - General Problems - Page 499: 90

Answer

20 m

Work Step by Step

The breakdown electric field of air is the voltage difference between the bolt’s ends, divided by the length of the bolt. $$3\times10^6V/m=\frac{5\times10^7V}{L}$$ Solve for a length L of 20 m (to one significant figure). This relatively small distance explains why a lightning strike from a cloud to the ground must propagate as a series of steps.
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