LIGHTNING STRIKES

DIRECTIONS: Read the following passage and answer the 7 questions that correspond to the passage and the data tables.
From Thomas Boczar, Lightning Strikes. 2012

Lightning strikes occur as a result of the buildup of static charges in the clouds. Static charges can be either positive or negative. The exact reason for this buildup is unknown, but 5 scientists speculate it has to do with water molecules colliding in the clouds, creating friction, which builds these charges. After the charges are created, they separate into two groups: negative and positive. Positive charges 10 form at the top of a cloud, while negative charges form at the bottom of a cloud. This process is known as polarization. When the cloud has been polarized, negative charges start a path toward the ground. This 15 path is referred to as the step leader. While this occurs, positive charges come up from the ground creating a path for the electrons- negatively charged particles with a charge of -1.6 x 10-19 Coulombs. This upward path that is created is 20 known as a streamer. When the step leader and the streamer meet, electricity shoots up, creating the flash we see. The explanation in the phenomena lies in the fact that opposite charges attract, while similar charges repel. 25 One of the many mysteries of nature is the exact location of where lightning will strike. While nobody knows where lightning can strike, years of observation has lead us to believe that lightning bolts are more likely to strike tall 30 objects, such as trees and buildings.
4. (SI 503) Referring to Figure 1, predict how many times a 60 ft. tower would get struck if there were 100 storms in a given year.
e. f. g. h. 2 strikes per year 4 strikes per year 6 strikes per year 8 strikes per year c. d.

1. (EMI 402)Which of the following questions is raised about lightning strikes, but is not answered in the passage?
a. b. Which direction does electricity flow in a single bolt of lightning (cloud to ground or ground to cloud)? What method of charging is believed to create the positively and negatively charged particles in a cloud during a storm? Why does lightning have a tendency to strike taller objects such as trees and buildings? After positive and negative charges are created, why does polarization occur?

2. (EMI 506) Which of the following pieces of information would most likely support the theory that opposite charges attract?
e. f. g. h. Negative charges are formed on the bottom of the cloud while positive charges form on the top. Negative charges are formed on top of the cloud while positive charges are formed on the bottom. Lightning bolts are caused by positive charges in the cloud and negative charges on the ground. Lightning bolts are caused by negative charges in the cloud and positive charges on the ground.

3. (EMI 601) Looking at Figure 1, one would conclude that:

a. b. c. d. Tall towers are generally struck by lightning less frequently than short towers. Tall towers are generally struck by lightning more frequently than short towers. Sometimes tall towers get struck more than short towers, but it depends on the number of thunderstorms. There is no correlation between the towers height and the number of times it gets struck

Course: Physics Course Level: General (516) Critical Content

Unit: Electrostatics CRS Focus Band:

Key Terms CRS Standard Skill Learning Target

Polarization, Step Leader, Streamer This is the focus College Readiness Standard. The students should be able to analyze the data in the figures. Figure 1 has three variables so students will use those skills to answer the corresponding questions.