The Earth produces a natural electric field that extends out into space. The fie

Question

The Earth produces a natural electric field that extends out into space. The field starts strong near the surface and gets weaker by the time hits the ionsphere in the upper atmosphere. This creates a potential difference. A thunderstorm forms in the upper atmosphere. As it forms the voltage difference between it and the ground is 300,000 V. How much electrical energy does the storm contain? The storm will eventually grow so large it will discharge to the ground in the form of a lightning bolt, how close does the storm need to be for this to occur? Early science fiction writers dreamed of a lightening gun that would shoot bolts of electricity at foes. Explain conceptually why this device could never be made.

Explanation / Answer

a) electrical energy = qV

                                = 1.6 * 10-19 * 300000

                                = 4.8 * 10-14 J

b) close storm need =   (8.98 * 109 * 1.6 * 10-19 * 1.6 * 10-19)/(4.8 * 10-14)

                                 = 4.8 * 10-15 m

c) Because of high value of electric charge .

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