2007-07-25 20:58:21 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
Yes, both the thunder and lightning are produced at the same time, although this would be quite difficult to measure. The lightning occurs when the air experiences dielectric breakdown, and an extremely high electric current is passed through it. The current passes as a result of the air partially ionizing. During ionization, high current flows and power is dissipated by the release of photons (light, or lightning) and phonons (mechanical vibrations, heat). The thunder is produced as air around the lightning bolt is rapidly heated, increasing the volume that the heated air takes up. This expansion creates a compression of the air in the column surrounding the bolt, yielding a compression (or longitudinal) sound wave, or thunder.
2007-07-26 17:13:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jenard, the speed of light and the speed of sound are different. The speed of light is much faster than the speed of sound. Thunder is produced when lightning shoots thru the clouds. If the lightning is right on top of you the thunder is almost instantaneous. If you see lightning in the distance, it takes a while before you hear the thunder.
2007-07-25 23:11:31 · answer #2 · answered by JIMMY 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No; Lightning only produces the thunder.So there should be some time delay.But the time difference may be a fraction of a second.
2007-07-25 22:07:54 · answer #3 · answered by Arasan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thunder is the sound lightning makes but because light is faster than sound it takes longer to reach you.
2007-07-25 21:01:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not almost..
exactly at the same time
2007-07-25 21:02:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋