Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Nittoo Singh on 23/11/2010 13:30:05

Title: Is a car the safest place to be in a thunderstorm?
Post by: Nittoo Singh on 23/11/2010 13:30:05

Nittoo Singh asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Why is a car the safest place to be during a thunderstorm?

What do you think?

Title: Is a car the safest place to be in a thunderstorm?
Post by: Pikaia on 23/11/2010 13:37:13

Inside a car you are protected by the Faraday Cage effect:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage

Title: Is a car the safest place to be in a thunderstorm?
Post by: imatfaal on 23/11/2010 15:23:56

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")

Title: Is a car the safest place to be in a thunderstorm?
Post by: syhprum on 23/11/2010 16:36:42

This of course only applies to a stationary car, to suffer a near hit by lightning when driving is a very frightening experience

Title: Is a car the safest place to be in a thunderstorm?
Post by: imatfaal on 23/11/2010 17:26:08

I would still prefer to be moving in a car when struck by lightning than walking or running!

Title: Is a car the safest place to be in a thunderstorm?
Post by: Bored chemist on 23/11/2010 20:10:23

The safest place to be is, generally, somewhere away from the thunderstorm.