How are thunderstorms and lightning related?

How are thunderstorms and lightning related?

Thunder is caused by the rapid expansion of the air surrounding the path of a lightning bolt. As lightning connects to the ground from the clouds, a second stroke of lightning will return from the ground to the clouds, following the same channel as the first strike.

Is lightning and thunderstorm same?

Lightning is the sudden flash of electricity and light that we witness across the sky during a thunderstorm whereas Thunder is the loud noise and rumbling disturbances in the sky during the harsh weather condition.

What is the relationship between lightning and thunder quizlet?

What is the relationship between lightning and thunder? Lightning is an electric discharge that forms between clouds or between a cloud and the ground. The air around the lightning bolt expands rapidly to produce sound waves that we call thunder.

What comes first thunder or lightning?

Lightning always comes with thunder. If you see a lightning flash but cannot hear any thunder, the thunderstorm is most likely be quite far away from you. The thunder clap must have been deflected up the sky. The longer the sound travels, the more it will be deflected away from the ground.

Why do thunder and lightning usually happen together quizlet?

AIR is NOT a good conductor of electricity (electricity does not flow easily through it). ONLY WHEN A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN CHARGE BT + AND – AREAS OCCURS CAN A LIGHTNING BOLT OCCUR. Such intense heats VIOLENTLY EXPANDS the air and creates a SOUND WAVE that we hear as thunder.

Why is lightning seen before thunder is heard quizlet?

During a lightning strike, lightning is seen before thunder is heard because the lightning is far away and the sound has to travel far. Thunder travels at a mile a second so if you see lightning count how many seconds before the thunder to see how many miles away it is.

Why do Thunder and lightning happen at the same time?

Thunder and lightning actually happen at the same time, but since light travels faster than sound, you’ll see the light from lightning ahead of the grumbling sound of thunder. The roar of thunder is caused by the rapidly expanding atmosphere when a bolt of lightning heats the air along its path. The time between the lightning flashes

How can you calculate the distance between lightning and Thunder?

Since you see lightning immediately and it takes the sound of thunder about 5 seconds to travel a mile, you can calculate the distance between you and the lightning.

What happens to the air when lightning strikes?

Lightning is a discharge of electricity. A single stroke of lightning can heat the air around it to 30,000°C (54,000°F)! This extreme heating causes the air to expand explosively fast. The expansion creates a shock wave that turns into a booming sound wave, known as thunder.

What does the sound of Thunder mean in a storm?

The sound of thunder should serve as a warning to anyone outside that they are within striking distance of the storm and need to get to a safe place immediately! Thunder is created when lightning passes through the air. The lightning discharge heats the air rapidly and causes it to expand.