2006-09-18 21:56:05 · 16 answers · asked by raj 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
Yes and no. Lightning, of course, is electricity. It will take the shortest path to ground out. This usually involves hitting the roof or radio antenna mast, travelling down the window pillar, through the body, and to a tire. If the occupant of the vehicle is not touching anything metal, such as door handle, dashboard, etc, then yes they are safe. Should they be touching metal, or if the vehicle is in motion when struck, then it can become very dangerous for not only the occupants, but those around them as well.
2006-09-18 22:01:41 · answer #1 · answered by SquizzleSquerk 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no. Laboratory tests show that lightning can pass straight through an automobile and shock anyone within it. But this is very rare. However, even though the car usually acts like Faraday cage, it doesn't mean it is entirely safe. And as for the tires insulating you, that 's an urban myth. Were are dealing with VERY high energies here, millions of times more than you get from a household power point. Have a look at this advice from East Tennessee Skywarn:
http://www.etskywarn.net/lightningfaq.html#Why%20is%20a%20car%20a%20safe%20place%20to%20be%20during%20an%20electrical%20storm
The main thing is that for sure, you are MUCH safer in a car than out in the open! Provided you follow the usual safety rules (see the link) you should be okay. Whatever happens, DON"T just stand under a tall tree -- that is really a very baaad idea...
2006-09-19 05:09:44 · answer #2 · answered by Lenky 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YEs..we studied in school.
Because a car is a good conductor . IT can explained in physics..IF we consider any Gausian surface with charge in side it.. Then according to Gauss law the charge comes out side of the surface
IF u consider the Gausian surface through the car .. then while lightenling the charge will not go inside the car
The charge always Comes to the surfae of the Gausian surfacemeans surface Of car..
But it is Only in theory . But u may will have accidents because of lightning
2006-09-19 05:02:51 · answer #3 · answered by ashu 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is No.
My suggestion:
(a) If you are driving while heavy lightening stop car and go to the nearest building - inside closed door/windows is better (esp. concrete buildings)
(b) If the car is in the parking - avoid tree side and do't sit inside.
- I think this will help you.
Thanks for sharing our knowledge.
Best of Luck
2006-09-19 05:51:11 · answer #4 · answered by SA-bic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is because the metal frame of your car conducts the electricity away from you and down to the tires and into the ground. It is 5th grade knowledge. The tires insolating you is totally false. The truth is the metal frame will protect you from the lightning.
2006-09-19 15:10:45 · answer #5 · answered by wiz_on_line 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but not because of the tires. They do insulate but not when over a hundred thousand volts of electricity goes though your car. The thing that protects you is the metal frame. Electricity takes the quickest path to ground. the metal frame provides a fast route that isn't you......
2006-09-21 02:13:52 · answer #6 · answered by amish_renegade 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't really think so.Because cars are mostly made of metal and metal is a good conductor of electricity.So don't stay in a car, you may get striked!Stay in your house better..Avoid water too.And using cordless phones are safer also.
2006-09-19 07:53:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. When you are surrounded by metal, IE. you are in a metal cage, you are protected from the current which will travel around you to earth.
2006-09-19 10:28:36 · answer #8 · answered by dynotrev 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is considered quite a safe place to be, however, careful where you park and certainly not under trees.
2006-09-19 04:58:26 · answer #9 · answered by dot&carryone. 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes because tires are made of rubber.
2006-09-19 05:04:31 · answer #10 · answered by inderpreet k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋