Chapter 4: Q21DQ (page 777)
Questions: When a thunderstorm is approaching, sailors at sea sometimes observe a phenomenon called 鈥淪t. Elmo鈥檚 fire,鈥 a bluish flickering light at the tips of masts. What causes this? Why does it occur at the tips of masts? Why is the effect most pronounced when the masts are wet? (Hint: Seawater is a good conductor of electricity.)
Short Answer
Answer
The high electric potential charge of ship causes phenomenon 鈥淪t. Elmo鈥檚 fire鈥. The tip is long and sharp so phenomenon 鈥淪t. Elmo鈥檚 fire鈥 occur at tip. The molecules of air will ionize that鈥檚 why the effect most pronounced when the masts are wet.

