Question

The potential difference between a cloud and the Earth is $10^{7} V$. Calculate the amount of energy dissipated when the charge of $100\, C$ is transferred from the cloud to the ground due to lightning bolt.

• A. zero
• B. $10^{9} J$
• C. $60 J$
• D. $10^{7} J$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Here, $q=100\, C$
Potential difference between the cloud and the Earth,
$V=10^{7} V$
Energy dissipated, $W=q V=100\, C \times 10^{7} V =10^{9} J$