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While most people believe that the reason has to do with the rubber tires, rubber being an insulator, it is not the case. In fact, air is also an insulator, however, and almost as good a one as rubber! If a lightning bolt has just travelled two or more miles through air, an inch or two of rubber will not make much difference. Indeed, it has been calculated that you would need solid tires about a mile thick to be safe!

In a car you are sitting in a metal box (this is not true in a convertible or plastic/fiberglass car, and these are notsafe). That is the source of your safety. Many people who know that it is the metal not the tires assume that the car forms a Faraday Cage, but that is also not the reason. Faraday Cages work with static electricity, lightning bolts are anything but static! The real reason is something called the skin effect.

A Faraday cage only works with static electricity (the storage spheres on top of our Van De Graaff are Faraday cages.) What happens there is that the negative charges on a Faraday cage repel each other and try to get as far away from each other as possible. The best way to do that is to occupy only the outside of the cage. Hence there is no electricity on the inside. When a lightning bolt hits, however, the electricity is not static--it is moving very rapidly! Some other effect must be at work. Lightning is an example of a very high frequency alternating current. This may seem illogical as the electricity in a lightning bolt normally only moves down, but looking at the current/time diagrams below will show that it is more like a short piece of alternating current than direct current. All electric currents generate magnetic fields that in turn can affect the current (this is the principle behind Electric Guitar pickups). In a direct current case everything is constant and so nothing seems to happen. With an alternating current, however, there is a delay in the magnetic field's response to the change in current and the 'old' magnetic field tends to push the current towards the outside of the conductor. As the frequency increases, so does the effect until at very high frequencies the entire current flows in a very narrow skin on the conductor--hence the name. In fact, not only are you safe inside the car, even the inside of the metal car BODY is safe, a fact we demonstrate by touching the inside of the cage bars while it is being struck. The outside is not safe, however, so if your hand were to go through the bars you would get struck (something that has happened to several of us at one time or another--it hurts a lot, like hitting your funny bone but about ten times worse--though the current is so low that there is no permanent damage.

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Is it safe to sit in a car during a thunderstorm?

It is generally safe to sit in a car during a thunderstorm because the metal frame of the car acts as a Faraday cage, protecting occupants from lightning strikes. However, it is important to avoid touching metal surfaces inside the car and to stay away from windows to minimize the risk of injury.


Why is it safe to be in a car during a thunderstorm?

Being inside a car during a thunderstorm is relatively safe because the metal frame of the car acts as a Faraday cage, which helps to conduct electricity around the outside of the vehicle, keeping occupants safe inside. Just make sure to avoid touching metal surfaces inside the car and stay away from open windows.


Is it safe to sit in a car during a lightning storm?

No, it is not safe to sit in a car during a lightning storm as the metal frame of the car can conduct electricity and put you at risk of being struck by lightning. It is safer to stay indoors during a lightning storm.


Why is it safe to sit inside a car during lightning?

It is safe to sit inside a car during lightning because the metal frame of the car acts as a Faraday cage, directing the electrical current around the outside of the vehicle and protecting those inside from being electrocuted.


What does it mean if you see a flash and hear a boom at the same time during a thunderstorm?

Seeing a flash and hearing a boom at the same time during a thunderstorm indicates that the lightning strike occurred nearby, usually within a mile. This is a sign of close proximity and immediate danger as the lightning struck close to where you are. It's important to seek shelter indoors to stay safe.

Related Questions

Am I safe in my car during a thunderstorm"?

Yes, you are generally safe in your car during a thunderstorm as long as you stay inside and avoid touching metal surfaces. The metal frame of the car acts as a Faraday cage, protecting you from lightning strikes.


Is a car a safe place to be in a thunderstorm?

No, a car is generally a safe place to be in a thunderstorm due to the metal frame providing protection from lightning strikes.


Is it safe to sit in a car during a thunderstorm?

It is generally safe to sit in a car during a thunderstorm because the metal frame of the car acts as a Faraday cage, protecting occupants from lightning strikes. However, it is important to avoid touching metal surfaces inside the car and to stay away from windows to minimize the risk of injury.


Is it safe to leave a window open during a thunderstorm?

Leaving a window open during a thunderstorm is not safe because lightning can strike through open windows and cause harm. It is best to keep windows closed during a thunderstorm to stay safe.


Is it safe to leave windows open during a thunderstorm?

It is not safe to leave windows open during a thunderstorm because lightning can strike through open windows and cause harm. It is best to keep windows closed during a thunderstorm to stay safe.


Why is it safe to be in a car during a thunderstorm?

Being inside a car during a thunderstorm is relatively safe because the metal frame of the car acts as a Faraday cage, which helps to conduct electricity around the outside of the vehicle, keeping occupants safe inside. Just make sure to avoid touching metal surfaces inside the car and stay away from open windows.


Is it safe to stay in water while outdoors during a thunderstorm?

No, it is not safe to stay in water outdoors during a thunderstorm. Lightning can strike water and pose a serious risk of injury or death to anyone in or near the water. It is important to seek shelter indoors during a thunderstorm to stay safe.


What are some common safety questions about thunderstorms that people should be aware of?

Some common safety questions about thunderstorms that people should be aware of include: What should I do if I am caught outside during a thunderstorm? Is it safe to use electronic devices during a thunderstorm? How can I protect my home from lightning strikes? What are the signs of an approaching thunderstorm? Should I seek shelter in a car during a thunderstorm?


Is it safe to kayak in a thunderstorm?

No, it is not safe to kayak in a thunderstorm. Lightning poses a significant risk to kayakers on the water during a thunderstorm. It is important to seek shelter on land until the storm passes to ensure safety.


How do you protect yourself during thunderstorm?

stay out of water stay out of and open field go inside go in a car you can go in a car because the rubber from the tires will help you stay safe.


Can you be in a car during a thunderstorm?

Yes, you can be in a car during a thunderstorm, and it is generally considered safe. The metal frame of the car acts as a Faraday cage, directing lightning strikes around the outside and protecting the occupants inside. However, it's best to avoid touching metal parts of the car during a storm to minimize risk. Additionally, be cautious of heavy rain and flooding that may affect visibility and road conditions.


Is it dangerous to be near a lake during a thunderstorm?

Yes, it is dangerous to be near a lake during a thunderstorm as water can conduct electricity, increasing the risk of being struck by lightning. Seek shelter indoors during a thunderstorm to stay safe.