[Microwave] Q. Cellphone

Thu, 25 Apr 2002 12:18:43 +0100

   To start with, I am not an expert in this area, so hence only a few 
thoughts based on what I remember from my physics lectures

   To my understanding, lightning is generally considered to be attracted to 
pointy conductive objects due to the increase in field density around any 
pointy bit. Generally speaking the mobile antenna fullfills this criterion, 
and hence lightning might be attracted to it. However, having said that, due 
to the fact that the mobile antenna does not significantly exceed the head 
level of the user, hence is not significantly exposed, I doubt that the added 
attraction for lightning to the user has any but academic significance. 

    To my knowledge, this is completely independent of wether it is raining 
or not. In theory, rain should be pretty much distilled water, and hence 
should be a good isolator. I would consequently assume that rain does not 
significantly influence the probability of lightning striking, with or 
without mobile. 

   So, my guess would be that in spite of not being bare scientific 
reasoning, from a practical point of view both theories are urban legends, 
most likely spread by well-meaning people, and intended to discourage people 
from using mobiles. 

Best regards

Thorsten

On Thursday 25 April 2002 07:03, you wrote:
> I am not sure if it is offtopic however i will appreciate for the help if
> anyone is willing to answer it
>
> one of my friend tells me not to use cellphone in raining day cause the
> lightning strike would be able to hit people though the antenna, another
> says that using cellphone in raining day cause lightning strike the user.
> is it true?
>
> Thank you
>
> Freeman
>
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Thorsten Brabetz
Queen's University Belfast
Electrical & Electronic Eng.
Ashby Building, Stranmillis Road
BELFAST, BT9 5AH
UNITED KINGDOM

Tel.: +44.(0)28.9027-4089
Fax: +44.(0)28.9066 7023

E-mail: [email protected]
UIN: 5003405

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