Answer to Question #293308 in Electricity and Magnetism for SelMel

Question

Assume that lightning strikes completely vertically and that a known current flows from the cloud into the ground for some time. We want to detect a lightning strike with the help of a coil that is connected directly to a voltmeter. Explain which phenomenon is responsible for lightning detection. Sketch the magnetic field of lightning and how the coil should be oriented for the effect to be strongest.

Answer 1

This phenomenon is called electromagnetic induction.