Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Nittoo Singh on 23/11/2010 13:30:05
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Nittoo Singh asked the Naked Scientists:
Why is a car the safest place to be during a thunderstorm?
What do you think?
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Inside a car you are protected by the Faraday Cage effect:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage
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There was an excellent demonstration of that effect in a car on the bbc programme top gear - I am sure a quick youtube search would bring up a copy (ie google "top gear faraday cage")
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This of course only applies to a stationary car, to suffer a near hit by lightning when driving is a very frightening experience
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I would still prefer to be moving in a car when struck by lightning than walking or running!
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The safest place to be is, generally, somewhere away from the thunderstorm.