No, you cannot hear thunder inside a plane.
Why You Can't Hear Thunder Inside an Airplane
The roar of thunder is a direct result of the rapid heating of air caused by a lightning strike. Here's a breakdown:
-
The Science of Thunder: Lightning drastically heats the air to around 30,000 degrees Celsius. This extreme heat causes the air molecules to vibrate rapidly, creating the sound waves we hear as thunder.
-
Airplane as a Barrier: The airplane fuselage acts as a significant barrier. It is designed to be soundproof, which drastically reduces any outside noise from reaching the passengers. Therefore, while the sound of thunder might occur nearby, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to hear it within the cabin.
Thunder in Movies vs. Reality
Many Hollywood movies often depict passengers on airplanes clearly hearing thunder during a storm. However, according to the reference, this is completely unrealistic. It is important to remember that movies often prioritize entertainment over accurate portrayals of scientific phenomena.
Factors Affecting Sound Perception
- Distance: The further away you are from a source of sound, the quieter it will be. Since lightning is not directly occurring on the plane, the sound waves would have to travel a distance, dissipating in intensity.
- Soundproofing: Modern airplanes are built with multiple layers of insulation and soundproofing to provide comfort for passengers, minimizing the impact of external sounds, including thunder.
| Factor | Effect on Hearing Thunder |
|---|---|
| Distance from Thunder | Reduces sound intensity |
| Airplane Soundproofing | Reduces sound penetration |
In summary, the combination of distance, soundproofing and other factors ensures that passengers inside a plane will not be able to hear thunder.
