2007-03-18 09:11:11 · 7 answers · asked by Staci P 1 in Environment
no, but they have something on there side. Lightning will follow the path of the least resistance to reach the ground (or inside the cloud) The plane is not in contact with the ground, so it is relatively safe.
Planes do get hit by lightning occasionally. Some systems of the planes are tested to ensure they will survive a lightning strike (such as the engines) or are properly shielded (computers)
2007-03-18 09:18:09 · answer #1 · answered by rabies1979 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Airplanes get hit by lightning all the time but the potential is much lower within the cloud so there is little damage done. A lightning strike to ground requires an very large difference in potential, therefore transmits much more energy and creates much more damage.
2007-03-18 11:31:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, they generally don't get hit. Lightning tries to go to the ground not things suspended in midair. Although it may get a mild hit it the lightning passes through it to the ground. It may mess up the euquipment but people inside are insulated I think.
2007-03-18 09:20:18 · answer #3 · answered by ukcufs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, and they are frequently struck by lightning. The metal shell of the plane, however, conducts the current around the plane so there is minimal damage.
2007-03-19 10:38:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
otherwise we would die
sort of like a lightning rod-like on barns- except for not a lightning rod...
2007-03-18 09:19:27 · answer #5 · answered by pixma master 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. But the critical electronics are protected by shielding.
2007-03-18 10:42:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No the aluminum is a good conductor.
2007-03-18 13:38:44 · answer #7 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋