2006-10-21 07:17:23 · 9 answers · asked by Tan 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
the heat from the lightening causes sudden air expansion...like an explosion. This compresses sound waves rapidly to make the boom
2006-10-21 07:23:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
angels bowling .
also look in the national weather service site they may have figured it out....
Thunder is, even today, not completely understood by modern science. The word usually describes a sonic shock wave caused by the rapid heating and expansion of the air surrounding and within a bolt of lightning. The bolt changes the air into plasma and it instantly explodes causing the sound known as a thunder clap.
This phenomenon occurs at the same time as a lightning flash but a thunderclap is usually heard after lightning is seen because light travels faster (186,000 miles / 299,338 kilometers per second) than sound (around 700 miles / 1,126 kilometers per hour but varies depending on temperature, humidity and air pressure.) In very close proximity to the lighting strike, sound and light can be heard and seen almost simultaneously.
2006-10-21 14:27:57 · answer #2 · answered by homelessinorangecounty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just think of static electricity on your sweater when taking it off. You hear little crackling noises. Lightning is the same but in a very large way. Thunder is the noise of a super heated lighting exploding ( burning ) the air around it then the atmosphere collapses back to fill the gap where the lightning was creating a large noise.
Some say it's God bowling upstairs.
2006-10-21 16:22:33 · answer #3 · answered by Moi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the lightning strikes it splits the air as it goes to the ground. Thunder is the noise of the air smacking back together again.
2006-10-21 14:20:41 · answer #4 · answered by Nick W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the sound of thunder in a storm is the result of super fast heating and cooling of the surrounding air as lightning strikes
2006-10-22 09:59:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. The air gets heated very rapidly which causes a pressure rise.
2006-10-21 14:19:20 · answer #6 · answered by Cirric 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the sound of air coming together
after the vacum caused by lightning.
God bless,
gabe
2006-10-21 14:22:37 · answer #7 · answered by gabegm1 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The breaking of the sound barrier.
2006-10-21 14:19:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
lightening
2006-10-21 14:21:07 · answer #9 · answered by Mugsy's Place 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋