- #1
Barclay
- 208
- 1
I’ve been reading about static electricity and storms and lightning conductors. I’m confused about the way lightning conductors work. Having read two sources and my questions are shown below:
Source A (internet)
Storm clouds have a negative bottom and a positive top. The bottom of the cloud is nearer to the ground so it induces a positive charge on the ground. When the voltage becomes high enough a spark flies between the cloud and the earth; this is lightning.
Source B (text book)
Lightning conductors under thunderclouds create very strongly fields in the surrounding air. Air molecules near the tip of the conductor become ionised due to electrons being pulled off. These ions then discharge the thunder cloud so no flash is produced.How can electrons be pulled off if the bottom of the cloud is negative? Shouldn’t the electrons in the lightning conductor be repelled (by the negative bottom of the storm cloud) and left with a positive top that attracts the cloud (causing a flash?)?
How can the lightning conductor induce strong magnetic fields?
Please can someone explain the basics of what’s going on? Thank you
(This is not homework so I've posted here)
Source A (internet)
Storm clouds have a negative bottom and a positive top. The bottom of the cloud is nearer to the ground so it induces a positive charge on the ground. When the voltage becomes high enough a spark flies between the cloud and the earth; this is lightning.
Source B (text book)
Lightning conductors under thunderclouds create very strongly fields in the surrounding air. Air molecules near the tip of the conductor become ionised due to electrons being pulled off. These ions then discharge the thunder cloud so no flash is produced.How can electrons be pulled off if the bottom of the cloud is negative? Shouldn’t the electrons in the lightning conductor be repelled (by the negative bottom of the storm cloud) and left with a positive top that attracts the cloud (causing a flash?)?
How can the lightning conductor induce strong magnetic fields?
Please can someone explain the basics of what’s going on? Thank you
(This is not homework so I've posted here)
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