2006-09-13 07:48:39 · 12 answers · asked by walkinqueen 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
the earth is a giant negative charge, meaning it is filled with excess electrons. when there is a large positive charge near it, there is a strong electric gradient between the two objects, meaning that the electrons would like to move, and release energy in the process.
typically we only see lightning when a cloud in a lightning storm is present. because of this, we assume that the cloud is the source. this is a false assumption. the cloud is actually the destination, not the starting point. lightning is a violent electron transfer from the ground to the cloud, which polarizes the air, and releases energy in many forms: light, heat, sound vibrations (kinetic) as well as chemically by literally altering molecules in mid-air, not to mention what it can do to whatever it goes through on the ground!
a side note: this is the most common sort of occurrence of lightning. note the word *typically* at the start of the second paragraph. other types do occur, including cloud to ground, and cloud to cloud, but this is what usually occurs.
2006-09-13 08:06:44 · answer #1 · answered by fourdmike 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Think lightning comes from the sky, and goes to the ground.
2006-09-13 07:57:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lightning comes from the sky, it comes from molecules in the clouds creating friction.
2006-09-13 07:52:19 · answer #3 · answered by doggcmc 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is caused by friction in the sky, but depending on the polarity of the charge, the actual movement of electrons varies.
2006-09-13 07:53:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF CLOUDS, ONE IS HAVING POSITIVE CHARGE AND OTHER HAVING NEGATIVE CHARGE. WHEN THESE TWO DIFFERENT CHARGED CLOUDS COME IN CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER, LIGHTING IS PRODUCED IN THE SKY. IT'S JUST LIKE A BIG SPARK ORIGINATING FROM THE CLOUDS. SO THE LIGHTINING COMES FROM THE SKY.
2006-09-13 08:00:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
From the ground.
2006-09-13 08:04:03 · answer #6 · answered by krodgibami 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The initial discharge is from the ground skywards.
2006-09-13 07:52:20 · answer #7 · answered by BoredBookworm 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lighting comes from the groud upward
2006-09-13 07:55:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It takes two to tango, both are dependent on each other in creating opposite charges, so that a balance be obtained - in layman terms, both are providers of each other in a action. thanks.
2006-09-13 10:36:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sky, clouds actually
2006-09-13 10:26:21 · answer #10 · answered by gustabares 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋