Figure shows the electric field pattern between a thundercloud and a building. State and explain where the electric field strength is greatest.
Predict where the electric field will be strongest- that's where lightning may strike.
Important Questions on Uniform Electric Fields
Figure shows an arrangement of parallel plates, each at a different voltage. The electric field lines are shown in the space between the first pair. Copy and complete the diagram to show the electric field lines in the other two spaces.
An arrangement of parallel plates.
Air is usually a good insulator. However, a spark can jump through dry air when the electric field strength is greater than about $40000 \mathrm{~V} \mathrm{~cm}^{-1}$. This is called electrical breakdown. The spark shows that electrical charge is passing through the air-there is a current. (Do not confuse this with a chemical spark such as you might see when watching fireworks; in that case, small particles of a chemical substance are burning quickly.)
A Van de Graaff generator (Figure) is able to make sparks jump across a $4 \mathrm{~cm}$ gap. Estimate the voltage produced by the generator?
Air is usually a good insulator. However, a spark can jump through dry air when the electric field strength is greater than about $40000 \mathrm{~V} \mathrm{~cm}^{-1}$. This is called electrical breakdown. The spark shows that electrical charge is passing through the air-there is a current. (Do not confuse this with a chemical spark such as you might see when watching fireworks; in that case, small particles of a chemical substance are burning quickly.)
The highest voltage reached by the live wire of a conventional mains supply is $325 \mathrm{~V}$. In theory (but DO NOT try this), how close would you have to get to a live wire to get a shock from it?
Air is usually a good insulator. However, a spark can jump through dry air when the electric field strength is greater than about $40000 \mathrm{~V} \mathrm{~cm}^{-1}$. This is called electrical breakdown. The spark shows that electrical charge is passing through the air-there is a current. (Do not confuse this with a chemical spark such as you might see when watching fireworks; in that case, small particles of a chemical substance are burning quickly.)
Estimate the voltage of a thundercloud from which lightning strikes the ground $100 \mathrm{~m}$ below.
In Figure, two parallel plates are shown, separated by $25 \mathrm{~cm}$.
Copy the diagram and draw field lines to represent the field between the plates.
