Can i get struck by lightning on the computer?

Question

I know thise is a really really stupid question probably, but like, say my house gets struck by lighning and my hand is on the mouse will i get struck too? What about while playing guitar hero or something? Thanks 10 points best answer

Answer 1

Yes you can! I was struck myself on Tuesday while using my laptop. I had my hands on the keyboard. SO DO NOT LISTEN TO PEOPLE THAT SPECULATE! It can and does happen and I know from experience. It hit a tree outside of the house, then somehow bounced and came into the house's electrical system.

It fried all of the electronics through the surge protector except my laptop. I could have died from it. I had very slight  burns, and was launched 5-6 feet. I had all of the typical side affects like temporary paralysis and numbness.

Also if you do not know the answer do not pretend. Whoever's physics teacher told them no doesn't know what he is talking about!

Answer 2

I can most definitely say that it is possible. Sitting at my computer a few months back (during a severe lightning storm, stupid I know) I saw a flash outside my window, and immediately heard a loud popping noise from both outside and from my computers mouse. I felt a shock at the exact time, and it was pretty intense (luckily I was fine, my computer even continued to run as well). The only thing that happened was that I felt a shock go from my hand up to my arm and lower neck, and the mouse read as unplugged for a few seconds. Just because the outer casing is made of plastic does not mean that the shock cannot transmit from the electronic components inside (kind of like how telephone lines are covered in plastic, but will undoubtedly kill you or do some serious damage if your complete the electrical current through your body).