Quote:
Originally Posted by gregbradley
Does anyone know why lightning is jagged and not a smooth arc or straight line?
Greg.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pi
I'd say it is because current (flow of electrons) likes to flow through the path of least resistance. The resistance of the atmosphere is going to be determined by factors such as moisture and impurities present at a specific location and therefore won't be constant. The jagged arch is due to these variations in resistance from the static charge build up to earth.
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Greg/Pi,
Hhehehe
I saw the question and thought the same thing as Pi. Path of least resistance......but could not quantify it!
Thanks Pi for the explanation ( I did ponder the atmospheric irregularities as a possibility, but wasn't sure
)
Cheers
Bartman