1 km -25 C 10 km + + + + + + +25 C FIGURE P21.88

Glencoe Physics: Principles and Problems, Student Edition
1st Edition
ISBN:9780078807213
Author:Paul W. Zitzewitz
Publisher:Paul W. Zitzewitz
Chapter24: Magnetic Fields
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 57A
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Storm clouds build up large negative charges. The charges dwell in charge centers, regions of concentrated charge. Suppose a cloud has -25 C in a 1.0@km@diameter spherical charge center located 10 km above the ground, as sketched is shown. The negative charge center attracts a similar amount of positive charge that is spread on the ground below the cloud.
The charge center and the ground function as a charged capacitor, with a
potential difference of approximately 4 x 108 V. The large electric field between these two “electrodes” may ionize the air, leading to a conducting path between the cloud and the ground. Charges will flow along this conducting path, causing a discharge of the capacitor—a lightning strike.

What is the approximate capacitance of the charge center + ground system?
A. 6 x 10-8 F           B. 2 x 107 F         C. 4 x 106 F          D. 8 x 106 F

 

1 km
-25 C
10 km
+ + + + + +
+25 C
FIGURE P21.88
Transcribed Image Text:1 km -25 C 10 km + + + + + + +25 C FIGURE P21.88
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