Static Electricity and Lightning 9.10

Advantages of Static Electricity Pollution control in industry Removal of pollutants and dust from the air Chemical precipitation in industry

Disadvantages of Static Electricity Hairs and dust cling to clothing Sparks creating fires and explosions

Lightning Lightning occurs when the negative charges concentrated near the bottom of the cloud returned to the ground in a huge spark. Lightning appears jagged because it follows concentrations of positive ions, of the path of least resistance. Tall objects such as trees and skyscrapers are most likely to become conductors.

Lightning Lightning rods are used to help neutralize and to conduct lightning to the ground . Lightning and Safety: Outdoors: stop playing golf, soccer, tennis… Get out of pools, lakes… Indoors: avoid taking showers or baths. Do not handle electric appliances. Turn off TV’s and stereos.

Did you know lightning is static electricity moving between two clouds or a cloud and the ground? Lightning is the spark you might see in the sky during a thunderstorm and is five times hotter than the surface of the sun. Even though lightning may discharge an enormous amount of electricity, because lightning lasts for such a short amount of time, the electricity cannot be trapped to be a source of energy.

Flashes of lightning can be very dangerous Flashes of lightning can be very dangerous. Lightning can start fires, knock over trees and even injure or kill people. Lightning tends to strike the highest objects such as a tall tree, telephone pole or a person who may be standing in a flat field.

There are many things that a person may do to stay safe if a thunderstorm is close: Stay away from water: don't stand under an umbrella, or keep swimming; Go indoors or into a car if possible Stay away from telephone poles Stay away from trees Stay on low ground, and avoid being the tallest object If you are in a field, crouch low Stay away from anything metal, such as a bicycle, or golf club

If you are inside: Stay away from windows and doors because of metal hinges and doorknobs. Stay away from water taps that might conduct electricity like tubs or sinks. Don't use and unplug any electric appliances like the television, a toaster, computer or iron. Do not use a telephone unless it is an emergency.

Questions Ch.9 Review p.294-295 # 2-7, 11-13, 21-23 & 26