Imagine an airplane flying under a cloud during a thunderstorm.Do the passengers get electrocuted? EXPLAIN WHY or WHY NOT.
Should the airplane's wheels be insulators or conductors? EXPLAIN WHY.
I answered this elsewhere. It was posted twice yesterday
No, in general, passengers do not get electrocuted if an airplane is flying under a cloud during a thunderstorm. This is primarily because commercial airplanes are designed to safely manage and dissipate electrical charges that can occur during such conditions.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of why passengers do not get electrocuted in such situations:
1. The airplane has a specially designed outer surface called the "skin" or "aircraft skin," which is made of conductive materials like aluminum. This conductive structure allows the airplane to act as what is known as a "Faraday cage." A Faraday cage is designed to redistribute electrical charges around the exterior of the structure, preventing them from entering the interior.
2. When flying through a thunderstorm, an airplane may experience electrical currents caused by the buildup of static charge in the atmosphere. These currents are known as "static discharges" or "lightning strikes." However, the conductive skin of the airplane allows the electrical charges to travel along the exterior surface of the aircraft and safely disperse into the atmosphere without affecting the passengers inside.
3. Additionally, modern airplanes are equipped with a variety of systems designed to protect against lightning strikes. These systems include static wicks, metal strips, and bonding wires. These components help to further distribute the electrical charge and minimize the impact on the aircraft and its passengers.
Regarding the second question, it is not necessary for the airplane's wheels to be either insulators or conductors. The wheels of an airplane are typically made of rubber or rubber-like materials, which are insulators. This is because an insulating material helps to separate the airplane from the electrical charges that may be present on the ground. By acting as insulators, the wheels help to prevent any electrical currents from passing through the airplane when it is on the ground.
In summary, the conductive nature of the airplane's exterior, along with other protective measures and design features, help to ensure the safety of passengers during thunderstorms. The wheels do not need to be conductors; instead, they are made of insulating materials to prevent electrical currents from entering the aircraft when it is on the ground.
Regarding the first question: "Do the passengers get electrocuted if an airplane is flying under a cloud during a thunderstorm?"
Passengers on an airplane are generally safe from being electrocuted by lightning strikes during a thunderstorm. This is because airplanes are designed to safely redirect lightning strikes, ensuring the safety of those on board. Let's explore how this happens:
1. Conductive Exterior: Airplanes are made of conductive materials, such as aluminum, which allow electrical currents, like from a lightning strike, to flow through the surface of the aircraft. When lightning strikes an airplane, it follows the conductive path provided by the metallic structure, creating a "Faraday Cage" effect.
2. Faraday Cage Effect: The conductive exterior of the aircraft acts as a protective shield against lightning. As the lightning strikes the outer surface of the airplane, it flows around the passengers and sensitive equipment inside, keeping them safe. The lightning then exits the aircraft harmlessly through another grounding point, usually through the tail or the wings.
3. Insulation: Additionally, the majority of the airplane's interior is insulated from the conductive structure, reducing the possibility of electric shock to passengers. The seats, flooring, and other components are typically made of non-conductive materials like plastic or fabric, further ensuring safety.
So, in summary, while lightning strikes on an airplane during a thunderstorm may cause some exterior damage, the passengers are generally not at risk of being electrocuted due to the aircraft's design and the Faraday Cage effect.
Moving on to the second question: "Should the airplane's wheels be insulators or conductors?"
It is generally preferable for airplane wheels to be conductors rather than insulators. This choice serves several important purposes, which I will explain:
1. Grounding: Conductive wheels help maintain the electrical grounding of the aircraft. When the airplane lands, any static electricity or electric charge buildup can be safely dissipated through the wheels, as they establish an electrical connection to the ground. This grounding is crucial for ensuring passengers' safety and protecting the aircraft's electronic systems from potential damage.
2. Safe Discharge: As the airplane moves along the runway, the wheels serve as a means for any static electricity or charge buildup to gradually discharge to the ground. By being conductive, the wheels allow this electrical energy to flow away slowly, reducing the risk of sudden discharges that could potentially be dangerous.
3. Safety Measures: Conductive wheels also allow grounding crews at airports to safely connect ground power units or static discharge wands to the aircraft during maintenance or servicing. These connections help to equalize the electrical potential between the aircraft and the surrounding environment, minimizing the risk of electric shock or electrical damage.
Therefore, to ensure proper grounding, safe discharge of static electricity, and overall safety measures, airplane wheels are typically made to be conductive rather than insulating materials.