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Chapter 8: Problem 14

Lightning and thunder are powerful phenomena in nature. Briefly describe how they develop.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Lightning and thunder are sequential phenomena within a storm. Lightning occurs when an imbalance of electrical charges within a storm cloud is corrected by creating an electric current, or lightning bolt, to the ground. The intense heat from this lightning bolt causes the air to rapidly expand and create a sound wave, which we perceive as thunder. Thunder is therefore the result of lightning.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Lightning

Lightning is a massive electrical discharge caused by unbalanced electric charges in the atmosphere. This imbalance is corrected through an electric current called a lightning strike, which creates light. During a storm, colliding particles of rain, ice, or snow increase this imbalance and often negatively charge the lower parts of storm clouds. Objects on the ground, like trees and the earth itself, become positively charged, creating an imbalance that nature corrects with lightning.
02

Understanding Thunder

Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. The intense heat from lightning causes surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a sound wave that we hear as thunder. We perceive lightning before thunder because light travels faster than sound.
03

Connecting Lightning and Thunder

In a storm environment, storm clouds often carry unbalanced charges. When particles within the cloud collide, they create an electric charge. The ground below becomes oppositely charged, and lightning is nature's way to balance these disparities. When a lightning bolt travels from the cloud to the ground it actually opens up a little hole in the air, called a channel. Once the light is gone the air collapses back in and creates a sound wave that we hear as thunder.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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