2006-11-16 08:05:41 · 8 answers · asked by Ashley S 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
I think they fly out of Thor's butt when he takes a mythological dump
2006-11-16 08:28:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lighting is basically an atmospheric discharge of electricity, but doesn't necessarily have to occur during a thunderstorm. During thunderstorm conditions the turbulence in the cloud causes the charges to separate in such a way that the negative charges concentrate in the base of the cloud. Since like charges repel, some of the negative charges on the ground are pushed down away from the surface, leaving a net positive charge on the surface. So what you have are positive charges at the surface and negative charges at the base of the cloud.
All these 2 charges want to do is to join up and they want to do it as fast as possible and take the shortest route.When the two parts join, they create what everyone sees as a flash of lightning.
Thunder is caused by the extreme heat associated with the lightning flash. In less than a second, the air is heated to 8,300 C to 33,000C. When the air is heated to this temperature, it rapdily expands.
2006-11-17 20:33:26 · answer #2 · answered by Pete 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From Wikipedia:
"The first process in the generation of lightning is still a matter of debate:[4] one common idea from scientists is that lightning forms from the ejection of charged particles from the sun, which reach Earth through the solar wind.[5] These charged particles cause the Earth to acquire an electric charge in its outer atmospheric layers, especially the ionosphere. Large quantities of ice in the clouds is suspected to enhance lightning development.[6] This charge will neutralize itself through any available path. This may assist in the forcible separation of positive and negative charge carriers within a cloud or air, and thus help in the formation of lightning."
Read ALL about it at the link below.
2006-11-16 16:14:43 · answer #3 · answered by Yahzmin ♥♥ 4ever 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From the realm of mighty Jove
2006-11-16 16:13:13 · answer #4 · answered by The Jade Merchant 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the kinetic energy the the ground makes goes to high so basically they collide w/ the air charged particles
2006-11-16 16:08:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because of the positive charges and negative charges between the clouds.
2006-11-18 07:56:18 · answer #6 · answered by ysaremian 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the sky
2006-11-16 16:12:53 · answer #7 · answered by adrianne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
clouds
2006-11-16 16:07:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋