(a) If the bottom of a thundercloud has a potential of − 1.00 × 109 V with respect to Earth and a charge of − 20.0 C is discharged from the cloud to Earth during a lightning strike, how much electric potential energy is released? (Assume that the system acts like a capacitor- as charge flows, the potential difference decreases to zero.)
(b) If a tree is struck by the lightning bolt and 10.0% of the energy released vaporizes sap in the tree, about how much sap is vaporized? (Assume the sap to have the same latent heat as water.)
(c) If 10.0% of the energy released from the lightning strike could be stored and used by a homeowner who uses 400.0 kW · hr of electricity per month, for how long could the lightning bolt supply electricity to the home?