2006-08-04 11:54:31 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
Not exactly.
Lightning is caused by the buildup of huge amounts of static charge in the rainclouds. This creates a difference in electric potential between the cloud (either positive or negative) and the ground (neutral)
Eventually the charge becomes so great that it overcomes the resistance in the air and discharges to the ground in a spectacular arc that we know as lightning. Incidentally, it is just as likely that the current is going up from the ground, depending on what kind of charge it is.
Because of this, the lightning attempts to follow the path of least resistance to ground. That's why the lightning seems jagged instead of straight down, it's because it is following the path of least resistance (most likely the air is more moist and hence conducts electrcity better)
That being said, if a person presents themselves as a good conductor they are more likely to be hit by lightning.
From the National Lightning Safety Institute:
IF OUTDOORS...Avoid water. Avoid the high ground. Avoid open spaces. Avoid all metal objects including electric wires, fences, machinery, motors, power tools, etc. Unsafe places include underneath canopies, small picnic or rain shelters, or near trees. Where possible, find shelter in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle such as a car, truck or a van with the windows completely shut.
2006-08-04 12:03:42 · answer #1 · answered by sovbob 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. It is random, but some people believe that an upper being can give someone a nice little wake up call with lightning.
2006-08-04 18:58:20 · answer #2 · answered by Elena P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lightning is electricity and electricity always takes the shortest or easiest path to ground. Holding umbrellas or golf clubs just makes the path shorter.
2006-08-04 19:06:29 · answer #3 · answered by Kevin H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't quote me but i think the strike has to be just near the victim . Here is a site where survivors meet . Check to see if there is data on the question your getting answers to.
http://www.lightning-strike.org/
2006-08-04 19:03:03 · answer #4 · answered by Jedi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, have you ever realized how lightning usually strikes stupid people? Obviously it doesn't like stupidity and wants to destroy it (stupidity being hiding under a tree during a thunder storm).
2006-08-04 23:00:18 · answer #5 · answered by quicksandvalley 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"How about that one?" The cloud rumbles... "Naw to small" The bolt replies... The two stare long and hard... "THERE!!!" The bolt storms out from the cloud and strikes it's mark... The cloud listens for a response from down below. A faint sound can be heard. "And congradulations Chuck apparently fear is not a factor for you."
2006-08-04 19:00:13 · answer #6 · answered by gemandjam2005 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask Zeus
2006-08-04 18:59:10 · answer #7 · answered by Kevin M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it has a list that god gave it. Just like Santa has a list of naughty or nice
2006-08-04 18:59:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, any grade school kid can tell you, it just takes the path of least resistance.
2006-08-04 18:59:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe but it gave me a good story and I was the talk of the hood
2006-08-04 18:58:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋