2007-09-27 12:04:04 · 8 answers · asked by lee e 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
Ballpark...Approx 4.6 seconds
2007-09-30 13:35:03 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. Me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to use a stop watch start it when you see lightning then when you hear thunder, stop the clock, the divide by 5 since it takes about 5 seconds for sound to travel one mile you can get an idea on how far the bolt was, each second equals 1/5 mile.
2007-09-27 20:43:31 · answer #2 · answered by trey98607 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 5 second per mile is a little inaccurate if you are actually using a stop watch. At sea level and a temperature of 70 degrees the speed of sound is 1129 ft/sec or which is about 4 2/3 seconds per mile. If it is near 90 then it is about 4 1/2 seconds per mile.
I have used a stop watch to check distances to lightning for many years. I use a rule that if lightning is less than 14 seconds (3 miles) after the flash, it is too close and I need shelter fast.
The National Weather Service recommends nearly twice that distance to be safe. Can't say I disagree with them.
2007-09-28 08:16:33 · answer #3 · answered by Water 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Count the number of seconds between the time you see the flash and the time you hear the thunder. Divide by 5. This gives you the approximate number of miles the lightning flash was from you
2007-09-27 19:09:42 · answer #4 · answered by MistWing 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
5 seconds.
2007-09-27 19:56:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
About five seconds for sound to travel one mile.
Some people count mississippis; others count one-thousands; others still count chimpanzees or kawasakis. Any word you are comfortable with that takes about a second to pronounce.
2007-09-27 19:16:08 · answer #6 · answered by aviophage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on how many mississippi's you get...
one mississippi
two mississippi
three mississippi
KABAM!
2007-09-27 19:07:50 · answer #7 · answered by Adia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've always heard it's five
2007-09-27 19:11:06 · answer #8 · answered by MrPotatoHead 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋