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Updated: Apr 7, 2021
Sound travels through air at "the speed of sound." Officially, the speed of sound is 331.3 meters per second (1,087 feet per second) in dry air at 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). At a temperature like 28 degrees C (82 degrees F), the speed is 346 meters per second.
As you can see, the speed of sound changes depending on the temperature and the humidity; but if you want a round number, then something like 350 meters per second and 1,200 feet per second are reasonable numbers to use. So sound travels 1 kilometer in roughly 3 seconds and 1 mile in roughly 5 seconds.
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When you see the flash of a lightning bolt, you can start counting seconds and then divide to see how far away the lightning struck. If it takes 10 seconds for the thunder to roll in, the lightning struck about 2 miles or 3 kilometers away.
For more information on lightning and related topics, check out the links on the next page.
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Lightning/Thunder FAQs
What causes thunder during lightning?
Thunder is basically the expansion of air that surrounds the lightning bolt’s path. As light travels very fast – around 186,282 miles per second – the heated air inside the clouds doesn’t get time to expand; thus, it gets compressed and raises the pressure and temperature. This creates rapid expansion, which produces sonic shock waves that result in thunder.
Can you calculate how far away lightning struck by thunder?
As you know the speed of sound is approximately 1,087 feet per second. When you see the thunder strike, count the time (in seconds) for which it lasts. For example, if the lightning struck for about 5 seconds, divide 1,087 by 5 to calculate the distance. Thus, you’ll get that the lightning struck around 217 feet away.
What should you not do during lightning?
To stay safe, avoid making unnecessary water contacts such as dishwashing, bathing, etc. That’s because lightning may get your plumbing. Moreover, avoid using electrical appliances and outlets like laptops, computers, stoves, dryers, etc. to make sure you stay safe.
Are you safe in a car during lightning storm?
Cars can be a safe place during a lightning thunderstorm due to their metal cage that surrounds people. However, you shouldn’t touch any metal parts of the car and pull over your vehicle near vulnerable areas. A general rule is to keep your hands restricted to your lap until the storm has passed.
Should I unplug everything during a thunderstorm?
The guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security say that it’s better to unplug everything during a thunderstorm because lightning strikes across electric poles might burst your home power lines.
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`;function adFill(){return{triggerElement:null,observer:null,isObserverPolyfilled:!1,nextIndex:0,maxIndex:30,disabled:!1,init(e){if("off"===HSW.utilities.hashArgs.ads)return;if("article-structured"==pageMetricsData.cType||HSW.utilities.isMobile()||!1===userData.adsActive)return;const t=this;this.triggerElement=document.querySelector("#continuous-ad-load-trigger"),this.nextIndex=e||this.nextIndex,"IntersectionObserver"in window&&"IntersectionObserverEntry"in window&&"isIntersecting"in window.IntersectionObserverEntry.prototype&&"intersectionRatio"in window.IntersectionObserverEntry.prototype?(this.observer=new IntersectionObserver(function(e){!0===e[0].isIntersecting&&t.getNextAd()},{rootMargin:"1000px 0px",threshold:.01}),this.observer.observe(this.triggerElement)):(this.isObserverPolyfilled=!0,window.alpineInfiniteRRScroll={scrollFunc(){var e=t.triggerElement.getBoundingClientRect();e.topI'm a seasoned expert in acoustics and meteorology, specializing in the physics of sound propagation in the atmosphere and its connection to weather phenomena. My expertise extends to the intricacies of lightning and thunder, drawing from a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the underlying principles.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Speed of Sound: The speed of sound is not a constant value but depends on various factors such as temperature and humidity. In dry air at 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), the speed of sound is 331.3 meters per second. However, at higher temperatures like 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit), it increases to 346 meters per second. Generally, a rounded figure of 350 meters per second is often used for simplicity.
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Calculating Distance of Lightning: When you see a lightning flash, you can estimate its distance by counting the seconds until you hear the thunder. Sound travels at approximately 1,087 feet per second. So, if you count 10 seconds between the lightning and the thunder, the lightning struck about 2 miles or 3 kilometers away (1,087 feet/second * 10 seconds).
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Thunder Formation: Thunder is the result of the rapid expansion of air along the path of a lightning bolt. As lightning travels at the speed of light (around 186,282 miles per second), the air around it is rapidly heated, causing it to expand and create shock waves, resulting in the sound we hear as thunder.
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Safety Measures during Lightning Storms:
- Avoid Water Contacts: Lightning can travel through plumbing, so activities like dishwashing and bathing should be avoided.
- Stay Away from Electrical Appliances: Using electrical appliances during a storm, such as laptops, computers, stoves, and dryers, is risky.
- Safety in a Car: Cars provide some protection during a lightning storm due to their metal structure. However, touching metal parts should be avoided, and it's recommended to pull over away from vulnerable areas.
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Unplugging Electronics: The Department of Homeland Security recommends unplugging electronic devices during a thunderstorm. Lightning strikes on electric poles can potentially damage home power lines.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for staying safe during thunderstorms and appreciating the fascinating interplay between sound and weather phenomena.
