How much energy does lightning discharge?
Some of us may think that this question must already have a definitive answer, but the reality is that it is very difficult to answer it in quantitative terms.
It is obvious that lightning is very powerful, we see it in the destruction and losses caused by electrical storms. But, what is the discharge that occurs?
Lightning generates temperatures above 20,000ºC. This is well above that of the solar surface, which is approximately 6,000ºC. A specific amount of energy is required to heat the air to such high temperatures. If we measure the length of the ray and multiply it by the energy per meter necessary to heat the air to 20,000ºC, this energy can be calculated.
To give us an idea, it is said that about 8 million lightning strikes per day and the energy produced is similar to 2 million tons of dynamite, about 100 times the Nagasaki atomic bomb.
Approximately, if a lightning bolt measures about 5km in length x 1cm in width, it can discharge between 1,000 and 10,000 million joules of energy, with a current of up to 200,000 amperes and 100 million volts.
For all this, lightning is so lethal and it is necessary to protect our homes, buildings, farms or companies to avoid damage to people, animals, personal belongings or installations and machinery.
To best protect your home, quickly check your real risk with our risk index calculation or contact us. and a specialized installer will evaluate your case.
