Lightning Distance Calculator - Measure in Metres, Feet, Miles, and Kilometres
The Lightning Distance Calculator accurately estimates the distance to a lightning strike by measuring the time delay between the lightning flash and the thunder sound. Using the speed of sound (343 m/s), the calculator computes the distance and provides results in metres, feet, miles, and kilometres.
Lightning Distance Calculator
Calculator
- use a stopwatch or count the seconds between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder
Results
- the calculated distance converted to kilometres
- the calculated distance in metres
- the calculated distance converted to feet
- the calculated distance converted to miles
Lightning Distance Formula
Formula:
To calculate the distance to lightning, we use the speed of sound:
\[ \text{Distance (metres)} = \text{Time (seconds)} \times \text{Speed of Sound (metres/second)} \]
Where the speed of sound is approximately \(343\,\text{m/s}\) in air at sea level and at 20°C.
Conversion Formulas:
metres to Feet:
\[ \text{Distance (feet)} = \text{Distance (metres)} \times 3.28084 \]
metres to Miles:
\[ \text{Distance (miles)} = \text{Distance (metres)} \times 0.000621371 \]
metres to Kilometres:
\[ \text{Distance (kilometres)} = \frac{\text{Distance (metres)}}{1000} \]
Example Calculation:
Input: Time delay between flash and thunder = 5 seconds
Distance in metres:
\[ \text{Distance (metres)} = 5 \times 343 = 1715\,\text{metres} \]
Distance in feet:
\[ \text{Distance (feet)} = 1715 \times 3.28084 = 5623.36\,\text{feet} \]
Distance in miles:
\[ \text{Distance (miles)} = 1715 \times 0.000621371 = 1.066\,\text{miles} \]
Distance in kilometres:
\[ \text{Distance (kilometres)} = \frac{1715}{1000} = 1.715\,\text{kilometres} \]
This calculator is helpful for safety during storms and provides a scientific estimate of lightning distance. Accurate and straightforward, it helps users easily gauge proximity to lightning strikes.