Obviously electricity is the flow of electrons. When a lightning bolt hits the ground, what happens (on an atomic level) that allows the air the electricity travels through to all of a sudden conduct electricity? Is this a plasmic state since the air is superheated? Thanks for your help!
2007-07-22 08:50:21 · 3 answers · asked by justask23 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Yes, the air is a plasma (ionized gas). The "dart leader", a packet of electrical charge, descends from the cloud in jagged leaps, stripping electrons off atoms as it goes. When it reaches the ground, the ionized air forms a short-circuit to the ground. Then the main lightning stroke occurs.
2007-07-22 09:03:12 · answer #1 · answered by lithiumdeuteride 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
specific, yet provided that the electrical powered container power is severe adequate to interrupt the air down. Air is an insulator - it has no unfastened electrons to permit conduction. even with the undeniable fact that, if the sector gets too severe then the molecules interior the air ionize and an arc of electrical energy can leap for the duration of a spot, as a results of fact the ions enable conduction to ensue. it relatively is what happens in a lightening strike.
2016-10-22 08:50:34 · answer #2 · answered by erly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Current Not Only flows in d form of ions
for eg in Aqueos solns current flow in d form of ions(+ve and -ve) so plz dont misconcept dat
ok abt thunder
it happens when huge +ve and -ve charges accumulated(For unknown reason) get collided
and bcoz of this High electric filed is produced capable enough of seperating electrons and +ve ions in air
and so a path of conductivity begins
and Huge current flows
ya surely due to flowing air bcome superheated(plasma)it is in ionic state
2007-07-22 09:01:33 · answer #3 · answered by Heart Break Kid 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋