answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Sunlight warms the ground, then heat is absorbed by the air which therefore expands and rises, then rising air molecules rub against other air molecules and develop static electric charges, and then the total of these static electric charges inside a cloud can eventually create a sufficiently high voltage that the electric field can ionize the air, creating a conductive pathway through whcih the electricity flows, in the form of lightning.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

5mo ago

Lightning occurs when electrical charges build up in clouds due to friction between ice particles and water droplets. When the difference in charges becomes too great, a discharge of electricity in the form of lightning occurs between the clouds or between the clouds and the ground, equalizing the electrical imbalance.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How does lightening happen?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Earth Science

What happens if lightning hits lava?

When lightning strikes lava, it can split the lava flow into fragments called volcanic bombs. The intense heat of the lava can also cause the moisture in the air to rapidly expand, leading to thunder and potentially creating fine volcanic ash. Additionally, the interaction between lightning and lava can generate magnetic fields that provide scientists with valuable information about the eruption.


What is earthquake and thunder?

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust. Thunder is the sound produced by rapidly expanding gases in the atmosphere after a lightning discharge.


Will chlorine help to lighten your hair?

Chlorine can lighten hair by stripping away some color molecules, but it can also cause damage and discoloration. It is not a recommended method for purposefully lightening hair, as it can lead to dryness, breakage, and a greenish tint in some cases. It is better to use proper hair lightening products or visit a professional stylist for desired results.


What precautions should people outside in an electrical storm take?

If you are outside in an electrical storm, seek shelter immediately in a building or a hard-topped vehicle. Avoid open fields, hilltops, and bodies of water. Do not take shelter under trees, as they can attract lightning. Stay away from metal objects and electrical equipment.


How many bolts of lightening can hit the earth in one second?

On average, about 100 lightning bolts strike the Earth every second. Lightning occurs when electrical charges build up in storm clouds and are discharged to the ground, resulting in a bright flash and thunder.

Related questions

What can happen if you are outside during major thunderstorms?

You can be struck by lightening and killed if you are outside during a major thunderstorm.


Is lightening an adjective?

It can be (lightening hair, lightening loads, lightening skies).It is the present participle of the verb to lighten, meaning to make lighter, either in color or weight. Lightening (not lightning) may be a verb, noun, or adjective.


What does lightening symbolize?

lightening symbolises loss of ignorance. In dreams lightening is a symbol of a terrible event and negativity.


What part of speech is word lightening?

Lightening is a noun


What makes lightning when it is thundering?

When it is thundering, there is lightening. Lightening creates ozone.


Who killed Medusa in the lightening thief?

Percy killed medusa in the lightening thief


What is the homonym for lightning?

The homonym for lightning is "lightening," which refers to making something lighter in weight or color.


What is the plural word for lightning?

The plural word for lightning is "lightning bolts."


Is thunder elecric?

Yes. Thunder is the noise created as the air expands, caused by the electric discharge through the air, which is lighteneing. The lightening and thunder happen at the same time, but as sound needs air to travel and lightening travels at the speed of light, the two events become separated over distance.


What is the homophone for lightening?

The homophone for "lightening" is "lightning." "Lightening" means to make lighter, while "lightning" refers to a sudden flash of light in the sky during a storm.


Is lightening useful?

No.


Can you be stuck by lightening while standing in a lake?

Yes, it is more likely you could be struck by lightening when stood in water as you'll tend to be the highest point to attract the lightening strike