2007-10-19 09:40:06 · 9 answers · asked by nick 1234 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
negatively charged particles in a cloud try to reach the positively charged particles in either another part of the cloud or the ground
when the charged particles make a connection, like 10million volts go down through the connection, discharging the energy
it ussually takes the path of least resistance (to the ground)
2007-10-19 11:05:30 · answer #1 · answered by jessejames32 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lightning flash is a large scale example of an electric spark.So, a lightning occurs when the electrical potential difference between the cloud and the ground or between two clouds or between parts of a cloud exceeds the breakdown potential.Electrical potential differences develop in clouds when positive and negative electrical charges are separated from one another.In a thunderstorm,some of the water inside the clouds freezes and strong air currents make the ice and water droplets bump together.This knocks tiny charged particles called electrons from the ice and so there is a build-up of the above mentioned positive and negative charged particles.The charge between these oppositely charged particles is released by a stroke of lightning.
2007-10-21 07:46:20 · answer #2 · answered by Arasan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rain causes positively charged particles to build up at the base of any thunderstorm, and negatively charged particles are brought to the highest point of least resistance, the step leader shoots upward, while the return stroke shoots downward. the result is a bolt of lighting. One word of caution: Don't go out right after the last rash of thunder, as you are still in danger of being it. Wait thirty minutes to avoid being hit by a 'negative discharge,' which drops out of the rear flank of any thunderstorm. That bolt can travel for ten miles before it makes contact with anything, so be warned about stepping out just after a storm passes you by.
2007-10-23 08:47:03 · answer #3 · answered by weatherbuff900 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's an abrupt, discontinuous natural electric discharge in the atmosphere. it happens two clouds carrying lots of electrons collide into each other. A bolt of lightning can travel at a speed of 160934 km/h, and can reach temperatures approaching 28000 °C (60000 °F), hot enough to fuse soil or sand into glass channels.
2007-10-19 09:51:04 · answer #4 · answered by Kiki 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is an electrical discharge of static electricity in a cloud due to electrons giving + and - charges to the cloud.
2007-10-19 09:53:20 · answer #5 · answered by drake_zula 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lightning is an atmospheric electrostatic discharge.
2016-05-23 19:37:18 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
god is yellin n the sky..thunder. then the sky cracks and the lights from the heavens show through the cracks as lightning. lmao. just kidding. go 2 yahoo they'll tell u 4sure.
2007-10-19 09:44:34 · answer #7 · answered by ~Alexa~ 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
+ and - particles rubbing together making static electricity
2007-10-19 09:48:25 · answer #8 · answered by dazed12839 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think its light going very fast so if it hits something it would damage it
2007-10-19 11:56:03 · answer #9 · answered by mike w 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋