answersLogoWhite

0

Lightning is produced in thunderstorms when liquid and ice particles above the freezing level collide, and build up large electrical fields in the clouds. Once these electric fields become large enough, a giant "spark" occurs between them, like static electricity, reducing the charge separation. The lightning spark can occur between clouds, between the cloud and air, or between the cloud and ground.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

ProfessorProfessor
I will give you the most educated answer.
Chat with Professor
MaxineMaxine
I respect you enough to keep it real.
Chat with Maxine
FranFran
I've made my fair share of mistakes, and if I can help you avoid a few, I'd sure like to try.
Chat with Fran
More answers

When lightning touches the earth, it seeks the path of least resistance through conductive materials like water, metal, or soil. The intense heat from the lightning strike can cause the surrounding air to rapidly expand and contract, creating the loud thunder we hear. In some cases, lightning can start fires or cause damage to structures or trees upon impact.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

10mo ago
User Avatar

When lightning strikes the earth. there is a positive charge in the earth from which sends runners up toward the base of a cumulonimbus cloud which has a negative charge. The negative charge sends out runners toward the runners of positive charge. When the two charges meet, the lightning charge goes toward the earth and the result is a bolt of lightning.

Read more: What_happens_when_lightning_strikes_Earth

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
User Avatar

sometimes metal for example if you are riding in a car then you are more likely to get struck then if you are walking without any metal.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
User Avatar

Photons travel the cosmic space down to the Earth.

User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago
User Avatar

Light from the sun travels in [almost] a straight line to the earth and that which is directed towards the earth touches it.

User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What happens when lightning touches the earth?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Earth Science