Question

If 51.9 C of charge are transferred in a specific lightning strike and the potential difference is ∆V = 10.93 MV, how much energy is released in this lightning strike? (in J

Answer 1

Quantity of charge unloaded = 51.9 Coulombs

Potential difference = 10.93 megavolts = 1.093 x 10⁷ volts

1 volt = 1 joule per coulomb

1.093 x 10⁷ volts = 1.093 x 10⁷ joules per coulomb

Energy = (1.093 x 10⁷ J/C) x (51.9 C)

Energy = 567.267 megaJoules

That's 5.67 x 10⁸ Joules .

==> My wife's blow-dryer is marked 1260 watts.

If the energy in this lightning strike could be collected, bottled, stored, and used as needed, it could run my wife's blow-dryer for 125 hours.  That would save us more than $30 on our electric bill !