Abstract
Studies have been made of the relationship between the charge transfer ΔQ and the mass loss ΔM that accompany the disintegration of water drops of radius R, mass M, and charge Q falling through an intense electric field. Calculations show that, if the resultant drop, of radius r, is on the verge of disintegration, the ratio of the charge transfer to the fractional mass loss will be given by the equation MΔQ/ΔM = [4.6(R3T)1/2(γ2 − γ3/2) + (1 − γ2)Q]/(1 − γ3), where γ equals r/R and T is the surface tension. Studies in which ΔQ and ΔM were measured directly showed that the experimental values of MΔQ/ΔM were only slightly greater than the predicted minimum values. This finding suggests that raindrops falling through the strongly electrified lower regions of thunderclouds may undergo a series of disintegrations during which appreciable loss of mass and charge may occur. This conclusion is supported by photographic evidence.
Published Version
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