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Physics Lesson 14.1.6 - Charge Distribution in Objects. Lightning
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Welcome to our Physics lesson on Charge Distribution in Objects. Lightning, this is the sixth lesson of our suite of physics lessons covering the topic of Electric Charges. Conductors and Insulators, you can find links to the other lessons within this tutorial and access additional physics learning resources below this lesson.
Charge Distribution in Objects. Lightning
As explained in the previous paragraph, a permanently charged object contains only one type of extra charge. When an object is electrically charged, the like extra charges it contains push each other as far as possible. As a result, the extra charges go to the outer surface of object, leaving the inside of the object neutral.
When objects are irregularly shaped, electric charges density increases in sharp parts of the object. As a result, a discharge may occur when these sharp parts, producing a large amount of dynamic electricity.
Lightning for example is an example of natural discharge, during which a lot of extra electrons gathered at bottom of the cloud due to friction between water droplets, are discharged to the ground through a high building, tree, pole, etc. Lightning is very dangerous as it produces a very high amount of current, which causes a burning effect. However, after flowing to the ground, electrons are distributed instantly throughout the Earth surface. Since the Earth is very large, these extra charges are not dangerous anymore, as their concentration at a given position is very low.
To avoid damages caused by lightning on buildings, high metal poles known as lightning poles are installed near them. These poles have a wide metal plate at their bottom, which is buried in the ground.
You have reached the end of Physics lesson 14.1.6 Charge Distribution in Objects. Lightning. There are 8 lessons in this physics tutorial covering Electric Charges. Conductors and Insulators, you can access all the lessons from this tutorial below.
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