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Lightning is an atmospheric discharge caused by a very large voltage difference between two objects, usually the clouds and the Earth. Lightning is actually electricity flying through the air. The voltage it takes for electricity to do so is in the millions of volts compared to your household voltage of 110/220v.
When lightning moves through the air it 'ionizes' the air molecules, giving them a strong negative charge. Also, it creates a LOT of heat. These two effects force the air molecules to move very far apart in the vicinity of the lightning.
Once the lightning has finished moving the air cools down quickly. Once they are cool and loose their ionic charge the molecules slam back together. The sound you know as thunder is the trillions of air molecules crashing together.
Another visual:
For the instant just after a lightning strike there is a vacuum formed in a rough tube shape where the bolt travelled. So for a spit second there is nothing where the lightning bolt was. The pressure, from the rest of the atmosphere, around this tube collapses it. The collapse creates a loud noise known as thunder.
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MaxineThunder and lightning are closely related atmospheric phenomena. Lightning is a sudden discharge of electricity in the atmosphere, while thunder is the sound waves created by the rapid expansion of air that occurs when lightning heats the air to high temperatures. Thunder and lightning almost always occur together, with the sound of thunder following the flash of lightning.
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What is the relationship between thunder and lightning?
Thunder and lightning are closely related natural phenomena that occur during a thunderstorm. Lightning is a sudden electrostatic discharge that happens when electrical charges build up in the atmosphere, while thunder is the sound produced by the rapid expansion of air around the lightning bolt. In simple terms, lightning causes thunder due to the intense heat and energy it releases, creating a shockwave that produces the booming sound we hear.
How long does it take to hear thunder after lightning strikes?
The time it takes to hear thunder after lightning strikes is typically about 5 seconds for every mile of distance between you and the lightning.
Why is thunder heard after lightning is seen?
Thunder is heard after lightning is seen because lightning produces a rapid expansion of air, creating shock waves that we hear as thunder.
What is the relationship between lightning and temperature?
The relationship between lightning and temperature is that lightning is more likely to occur in warmer temperatures. This is because warm air rises and creates unstable atmospheric conditions, which can lead to the formation of thunderstorms and lightning.
What is the scientific difference between lightning and thunder?
Lightning is a visible discharge of electricity that occurs within a thunderstorm, usually from cloud to ground or within a cloud. Thunder is the sound caused by the rapid expansion of air surrounding a lightning bolt, due to the intense heat generated by the lightning. In essence, lightning is the visible discharge of electricity, while thunder is the sound produced by the rapid expansion of air.
