Explain what causes lightning to strike between clouds or touch the earth?

Question

Be as specific as possible please

Answer 1

A lightning flash is a large scale example of an
electric spark.A spark or discharge occurs when the electrical potential difference between two points separated by air reaches a high value.This value depends upon the conductivity of the air and the distance between the points.So lightning occurs when the elctrical 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 discharges are separated from one another.

Answer 2

Lightning Between Clouds

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Explain what causes lightning to strike between clouds or touch the earth?
Be as specific as possible please

Answer 4

Negative electric charges build up during storms. When they move from place to place, you see it in the form of lightning. Lightning strikes the earth because the earth is viewed as a large "positive" charge, so lightning is naturally attracted to it.

Answer 5

Actually, I agree with Shawn K. All other answers are quite good too. But I have to tell you that the "lead" or positive charge surge, is generated on the ground, where the lightning will actually strike. If the potential difference is not large enough to "ionize the air", then the "lead" (or "leads") will abort. (Groundbreaking discovery with photographs fired by mistake just before lighting hit !!).

Answer 6

This is the best info I could find:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning