The Force of a Stroke of Lightning.
A German doctor says that it is no doubt interesting to express the force of a stroke of lightning in horsepower, and as an example comes to the following conclusion : During a recent storm which passed over Glaustbal, Germany, a bolt struck a wooden column in a dwelling, and in the top of this column were two wire nails 5 32 inch in diameter., The electric fluid melted the two nails instantly. To melt iron in this short time would be impossible in the largest furnace now in existence, and it could only be accomplished with the aid of electricity, but a current of 200 ampres and a potential of 20,000 volts, would be necessary. This olectrio force for one second represents 5000 horse, power, but as the lightning accomplished the melting in considerably less time, say 1.10 of a second, it follows says Dr. Grottewitz that the bolt was 50,000 horsepower.
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Manawatu Herald, 26 March 1896, Page 2
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159The Force of a Stroke of Lightning. Manawatu Herald, 26 March 1896, Page 2
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