Ever wonder what the speed of lightning would be?

Question

if it didn't zigzag?

I would think the change in direction would hinder the flow somewhat.

Answer 1

Its speed does not depend on path.

The downward stroke goes at about from 5 * 10^5 to 5 * 10^7 m/s.

However the much faster return stroke goes up the channel opened by the downward stroke at almost 1/3 of the speed of light. (1 * 10^8 m/s)

Edit: The people saying that a transfer of mass, especially through a dense channel, is happening at the speed of light, might I remind you that electrons actually have to freaking flow? Why are multiple people saying the speed of light? What the hell?

Answer 2

The speed of lightning is, surprisingly, about half the speed of light (186,000 miles/second). See the website listed below.

Answer 3

It's the speed of light.

Answer 4

I read yesterday that the sound of thunder can travel a mile in 1 sec.

Answer 5

in accordance to the e book, "this is Raining Frogs and Fishes,"with the aid of Jerry Dennis, lightning bolts trip at quickens to ninety 3,000 miles in line with 2d. this is exceedingly darn quickly. What we see as a single lightning flash is definitely numerous lightning bolts that shop on with one yet another so as we talk that our eyes see purely a single flash.

Answer 6

i would imagine that the speed of lightning is around the same as the speed of light. ca. 186,000 mi./sec.

Answer 7

Whatever it is, it probably has as many #s as the speed of that car right there
<

Answer 8

speed of light

Answer 9

Light is fast. sound is slow.

Answer 10

Faster than you can run