Electrical Power Physics Problem?
Assume that global lightning on the Earth constitutes a constant current of 1.00 kA between the ground and an atmospheric layer at potential 300 kV.
(a) Find the power of terrestrial lightning.
š¯’« = ____ W
(b) For comparison, find the power of sunlight falling on the Earth. Sunlight has an intensity of 1380 W/m2 above the atmosphere. Sunlight falls perpendicularly on the circular projected area that the Earth presents to the Sun.
š¯’« = ____ W
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Verified answer
(a) P = (1000 A)(300,000 V) = 3.0 x 10^8 W.
(b) P = (1380 W/m^2)*(pi*R^2)
= (1380 W/m^2)(pi)(6.37 x 10^6 m)^2
= 1.75 x 10^17 W.