logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2021
6m 29s

ELI5 Lightning - why does it zig zag and...

ELI5 Explain Like I'm Five Podcast
About this episode

Why does lightning travel in a zig-zag rather than a straight line?So why does it strike precise points such as the end of a pole? If the average lightning bolt contains up to 1 billion volts, how is it that humans can survive being struck? How many times does the Empire State Building get stuck by lightning every year?

 

... We explain like i'm five!

 

Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community as always and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: mjconns, lollersauce914, edwinshap, josephwb, lithium, revraven, piho36, cleanasuhwhistle1, gleddez, mg2r,

To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter:

https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/

or send us an e-mail:

ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com

Up next
Jan 2022
ELI5 Artificial Sweeteners - good for weight loss or bad for you?
Why was VitaminWater sued over the 33g of sugar in each bottle? How do our bodies work with artificial sweeteners? Why do diet sodas taste different to regular ones? Are artificial sweeteners a good way to lose weight? Do they cause cancer? Why nutrition labels for TicTacs list z ... Show More
9m 19s
Dec 2021
ELI5 Money Laundering - what, why and how?
What is money laundering? Why can’t a criminal just spend good old fashioned cash? What are some of the ways used by criminals to launder money? Besides casinos, why are laundromats often mentioned? Why are countries like Panama and Cyprus ideal for laundering money? ... we expla ... Show More
8m 33s
Dec 2021
ELI5 Orange Juice - how is it economically viable?
It takes a dozen oranges to make a single glass of OJ, so how is it economically viable? Why does Tropicana taste different to Simply Orange if they are both 100% orange juice? Some people say orange juice is as unhealthy as soda - is this really true? Why does orange juice taste ... Show More
7m 59s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2020
Curious About Lightning And Thunder
In episode 79, we learn about lightning and thunder.  What causes lightning?  How hot is lightning?  Can you have lightning without rain?  Can you have thunder without lightning?  Olivia interviews Greg, a meteorologist, to ask him some questions about lightning and thunder and s ... Show More
20m 46s
Jan 2024
Where does lightning come from?
Grab your raincoat, and join Molly and co-host Lily as they float into the clouds to learn about lightning! They’ll explore how lightning is made and what it takes to stay safe during thunderstorms. To close with a bang, Molly will slip on her Thunderpants and host an electrifyin ... Show More
32m 30s
Jan 2024
Choose Your Lightning Protection: Lasers, Rockets or Rods?
Every year, lightning is estimated to cause up to 24,000 deaths globally. It starts forest fires, burns buildings and crops, and causes disruptive power outages. The best, most practical technology available to deflect lightning is the simple lightning rod, created by Benjamin Fr ... Show More
12m 21s
Sep 2023
Why do I get an electric shock when I kiss someone?
It's not uncommon for sparks to fly in unexpected ways during intimate moments; sometimes literally! You’ve most likely gone in to kiss someone only to get a small shock when your lips touch. You may have also noticed it tends to happen more often in winter. Have you ever wondere ... Show More
3m 56s
Mar 2025
Why do I get an electric shock when I kiss someone?
It's not uncommon for sparks to fly in unexpected ways during intimate moments; sometimes literally! You’ve most likely gone in to kiss someone only to get a small shock when your lips touch.You may have also noticed it tends to happen more often in winter. Have you ever wondered ... Show More
3m 56s
May 2024
Pourquoi les lignes électriques peuvent-elles faire du bruit ?
Les personnes habitant à proximité d'une ligne électrique perçoivent parfois un bruit, qui ressemble à un grésillement. Ce crépitement est lié aux décharges électriques qui se produisent dans le champ électrique entourant les câbles à haute tension. Si le champ électrique est ass ... Show More
1m 55s