Assume that a lightning bolt can be represented by a long straight line of current. If 15.0 C of charge passes by in a time of 1.5·10-3s, what is the magnitude of the magnetic field at a distance of 24.0 m from the bolt?

The magnitude of the magnetic field is 8.333 x 10⁻⁷ T

Explanation:

Given;

charge on the lightening bolt, C = 15.0 C

time the charge passes by, t = 1.5 x 10⁻³ s

Current, I is calculated as;

I = q / t

I = 15 / 1.5 x 10⁻³

I = 10,000 A

Magnetic field at a distance from the bolt is calculated as;

where;

μ₀ is permeability of free space = 4π x 10⁻⁷

I is the current in the bolt

r is the distance of the magnetic field from the bolt

Therefore, the magnitude of the magnetic field is 8.333 x 10⁻⁷ T