17th April, 2024
TANISHA ROY
A giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere! It happens when charges in clouds get out of balance.
Ice particles bump inside storm clouds, creating positive (+) and negative (-) regions.
Negative charges at the cloud base seek positive charges on the ground or within the clouds, creating sparks.
The air acts like an insulator until the charge is too strong – then a jagged "leader" forms.
The leader connects, allowing a massive electric current to flow. This heats the air rapidly!
Thunder!: The superheated air expands explosively, creating a sound wave we hear as thunder.
Lightning is super hot (more than the sun's surface!) and helps balance Earth's charges.
Lightning is powerful and dangerous. When thunder roars, go indoors – respect nature's force!