Question

In a lightning bolt, a large amount of charge flows during a time of 1.2 x 10-3 s. Assume that the bolt can be represented as a long, straight line of current. At a perpendicular distance of 21 m from the bolt, a magnetic field of 8.4 x 10-5 T is measured. How much charged has flowed during the lightning bolt?

Answer 1

Answer: 10.58 C has flowed during the lightning bolt

Explanation:

Given that;

Time of flow t = 1.2 × 10⁻³

perpendicular distance r = 21 m

Magnetic field B = 8.4 x 10⁻⁵ T

Now lets consider the expression for magnetic field;

B = u₀I / 2πr

the current flow is;

I = ( B × 2πr ) / u₀

so we substitute

I = ( (8.4 x 10⁻⁵) × 2 × 3.14 × 21 ) / 4π ×10⁻⁷

=  0.01107792 / 0.000001256

= 8820 A

Hence the charge flows during lightning bolt  will be;

q = It

so we substitute

q = 8820 × 1.2 × 10⁻³

q = 10.58 C

therefore 10.58 C has flowed during the lightning bolt