Turbulent motions in thunderstorms cause charge separations that result in very large potential differences between the clouds and the ground. when lightning occurs, a large amount of charge is transferred between the cloud and the ground. if 46.7 c of charge are transferred in a specific lightning strike and the potential difference is ∆v = 10.65 mv, how much energy is released in this lightning strike?

E = 4.9735 × 10⁸ J

Explanation:

Given:

Charge transferred, q = 46.7 C

Potential difference, ΔV = 10.65 MV = 10.65 × 10⁶ V

Now, the relation between the energy (E) , charge (q) and the potential difference is given as:

E = qΔV

on substituting the values in the above equation, we get

E = 46.7 × 10.65 × 10⁶ V

or

E = 4.9735 × 10⁸ J

Hence, the energy released is 4.9735 × 10⁸ J

double the distance = divide strength by 4