A2_1 Zeus' Lightning Bolt

Abstract

In this paper we calculate the heat capacity that would be required for the mythological Greek god Zeus to be able to comfortably hold a, hypothetical, `stationary lightning bolt'. Known properties of lightning and the human pain threshold were used to model the specic heat capacity required to elevate Zeus' hand temperature, from ambient to the upper limit of pain. In order for Zeus to be able to hold the lightning bolt, the calculated specic heat capacity that his hand must have was 3:33 * 10^10 J Kg-1 K-1