Why does lightning occurs ?

Question

Answer

Lightning is a sudden electrostatic discharge that occurs during a thunder storm. This discharge occurs between electrically charged regions of a cloud , between two clouds  or between a cloud and the ground . The charged regions in the atmosphere temporarily equalize themselves through this discharge referred to as a strike if it hits an object on the ground, and a flash, if it occurs within a cloud. Lightning causes light in the form of plasma, and sound in the form of thunder. Lightning may be seen and not heard when it occurs at a distance too great for the sound to carry as far as the light from the strike or flash.

Answer

Lightning occurs due to the transfer of charge between 2 oppositely charged clouds

Answer

What Causes Lightning?

Lightning is a natural phenomenon that occurs during thunderstorms. It is characterized by a sudden and powerful burst of light, often accompanied by a thunderous sound. The exact mechanism behind lightning formation is still not completely understood, but scientists have developed a theory known as the 'cloud theory' to explain its occurrence.

Cloud Theory

According to the cloud theory, lightning is primarily caused by the separation of electrical charges within a thundercloud. Thunderstorms are formed when warm, moist air rises and cools, creating towering cumulonimbus clouds. Within these clouds, there are different regions of positive and negative charges that develop due to various factors.

Charge Separation

The process of charge separation begins when ice particles within the cloud collide with one another. As a result, electrons are stripped from the ice particles, causing them to become negatively charged. These negatively charged ice particles then gather at the bottom of the cloud, forming a negatively charged region.

Meanwhile, the positively charged region is formed by the accumulation of positively charged ice particles at the top of the cloud. This charge separation creates a strong electric field within the cloud.

Lightning Formation

When the electric field within the cloud becomes strong enough, it can overcome the insulating properties of the air between the positive and negative regions. This leads to the formation of a conductive channel, known as a stepped leader, that extends downward from the negatively charged region towards the ground.

As the stepped leader approaches the ground, it creates a path of ionized air molecules. These ionized molecules act as conductors, allowing the flow of electric current between the cloud and the ground.

When the stepped leader nears the ground, a positively charged 'streamer' is initiated from the ground. As the stepped leader and the streamer meet, a completed circuit is formed, and a massive discharge of electrical energy occurs. This discharge is what we perceive as lightning.

Visual Appeal:

What Causes Lightning?
- Lightning is a natural phenomenon occurring during thunderstorms.
- It is characterized by a sudden burst of light and a thunderous sound.

Cloud Theory
- Lightning is primarily caused by the separation of electrical charges within a thundercloud.
- Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air rises and cools, creating cumulonimbus clouds.
- Charge separation occurs within these clouds, leading to the formation of positive and negative regions.

Charge Separation
- Ice particles within the cloud collide, causing electrons to be stripped and creating negatively charged particles.
- These negatively charged particles gather at the bottom of the cloud, forming a negatively charged region.
- Positively charged regions are formed by the accumulation of positively charged ice particles at the top of the cloud.
- This charge separation creates a strong electric field within the cloud.

Lightning Formation
- When the electric field becomes strong enough, it overcomes the insulating properties of the air.
- A conductive channel called a stepped leader forms from the negatively charged region towards the ground.
- The stepped leader creates an ionized path, allowing the flow of electric current.
- A positively charged streamer is initiated from the ground towards the stepped leader.
- The stepped leader and the streamer meet, completing the circuit and resulting in a discharge of electrical energy, which is perceived as lightning.

Similar Class 8 Doubts

HOW DOES LIGHTNING STRIKE THE GROUND? Related: Solved Questions - Some Natural Phenomena, Science, Class 8

how does a fertilisation in human being occurs

Explain lightning

Why lightning happens before thundering ?

What is lightning?

Top Courses for Class 8View all

Science Class 8

Mathematics (Maths) Class 8

Social Studies (SST) Class 8

English Class 8

Improve Your Calculations: Vedic Maths (English)

Top Courses for Class 8

Top Courses for Class 8

Suggested Free Tests

Related Content

Class 8 Study Material

Class 8 Subjects

Competitive Examinations for Class 8

NCERT Solutions

Reference Books for Class 8

Other Popular Exams

Company