To estimate the distance from a lightning strike using the time interval between seeing the flash and hearing the thunder, we use the formula:
\[ \text{Distance (miles)} = \frac{\text{Time (seconds)}}{5} \]
In this case, we're told that you are 18 miles from the lightning strike. We can set up the equation as follows:
\[ 18 = \frac{\text{Time}}{5} \]
To find the time (seconds), we can multiply both sides of the equation by 5:
\[ 18 \times 5 = \text{Time} \]
Calculating that gives:
\[ \text{Time} = 90 \text{ seconds} \]
Thus, there would be 90 seconds between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder if you are 18 miles away from the strike.
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