0
Yes, though there are not atoms specific to lightning. Lightning is an electrical discharge through air. The discharge itself does not contain atoms, but the lighting bolt, the channel of plasma through which the discharge moves, does. It consists of the atoms and molecules of air that have been ionized.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
No, lightning does not have atoms. Lightning is an electrical discharge that occurs when there is a difference in electrical potential between two points, typically between a cloud and the ground. It is the movement of electrons through the air that creates the lightning bolt.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Is Lightning is made of billions of atoms?
lightning varies in atomic composition. you could have billions and billions of atoms, or you could have perhaps a few million. but more or less, lightning is a mass of electrical energy generated but an imbalance of positive to negative ions in the clouds. it is how humid the air is during any particular thunderstorm that determines whether there are tens of billions of atoms or only around a million. keep in mind that the less humid the air, the easier it is for lightning to reach the target to which it is drawn to; now in more humid air, you can relax more so than in drier air because all the water in the air decreases the energy the lightning is carrying with it, thus decreasing the chances the lightning will even come near the ground. so in short, it really depends where you are. hope this helped.
What can the build up of extra electrons on clouds cause?
Either covalent binding (sharing of electrons) with other atoms or ionic binding (taking of electrons from other atoms) with other atoms. When an atom receives an extra electron, it becomes negatively charged, when two atoms share electrons a strong bond derives.
What are the chemical properties of lightning?
The main chemical property of lightning is the generation of ozone (O3) through the splitting of oxygen (O2) molecules by the electrical discharge. Lightning also produces some nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can contribute to the formation of acid rain. Additionally, lightning can ionize molecules and atoms in the atmosphere, leading to various chemical reactions and the production of reactive species.
What do you call Lightning that appears as a single long line?
A lightning bolt A lightning leader A lightning strike A lightning stroke
Why are some lightning bolts brighter than other bolts?
Lightning is bright because of its nature. Lightning is the movement of a large charge between clouds or between a cloud and the ground (or a structure, tree, etc.). This massive discharge of static electricity is accomplished when extrememe voltages (on the order of millions or even billions of volts) actually tear electrons off air atoms and molecules to create the current path the lightning is going to use. This tearing off of electrons is called ionization, and energy is added to electrons to get atoms to ionize. When the electrons return from their high energy states, they do so by emitting light. Pretty much all frequencies of light (meanin all colors) are emitted, and this creates the white light we see. And there is a lot of it! It's blinding.
All atoms of hydrogen have the same chemical and physical properties?
No some can be very strong like lightning
Is Lightning is made of billions of atoms?
lightning varies in atomic composition. you could have billions and billions of atoms, or you could have perhaps a few million. but more or less, lightning is a mass of electrical energy generated but an imbalance of positive to negative ions in the clouds. it is how humid the air is during any particular thunderstorm that determines whether there are tens of billions of atoms or only around a million. keep in mind that the less humid the air, the easier it is for lightning to reach the target to which it is drawn to; now in more humid air, you can relax more so than in drier air because all the water in the air decreases the energy the lightning is carrying with it, thus decreasing the chances the lightning will even come near the ground. so in short, it really depends where you are. hope this helped.
What can the build up of extra electrons on clouds cause?
Either covalent binding (sharing of electrons) with other atoms or ionic binding (taking of electrons from other atoms) with other atoms. When an atom receives an extra electron, it becomes negatively charged, when two atoms share electrons a strong bond derives.
Can lightning striking a body of salt water cause the salt to split int sodium and chlorine atoms?
No, but salt water is an excellent conductor of electricity.
What occurs when lightning is produced?
Lightning occurs when extreme voltages of static electricity (millions or even billions of volts) actually tear electrons off air atoms and molecules to create the current path the lightning is going to use. This tearing off of electrons is called ionization, and energy is added to electrons to get atoms to ionize. When the electrons return from their high energy states, they do so by emitting light. Pretty much all frequencies of light (meaning all colours) are emitted, and this creates the white light we see.
What are the chemical properties of lightning?
The main chemical property of lightning is the generation of ozone (O3) through the splitting of oxygen (O2) molecules by the electrical discharge. Lightning also produces some nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can contribute to the formation of acid rain. Additionally, lightning can ionize molecules and atoms in the atmosphere, leading to various chemical reactions and the production of reactive species.
What do you call Lightning that appears as a single long line?
A lightning bolt A lightning leader A lightning strike A lightning stroke
Why are some lightning bolts brighter than other bolts?
Lightning is bright because of its nature. Lightning is the movement of a large charge between clouds or between a cloud and the ground (or a structure, tree, etc.). This massive discharge of static electricity is accomplished when extrememe voltages (on the order of millions or even billions of volts) actually tear electrons off air atoms and molecules to create the current path the lightning is going to use. This tearing off of electrons is called ionization, and energy is added to electrons to get atoms to ionize. When the electrons return from their high energy states, they do so by emitting light. Pretty much all frequencies of light (meanin all colors) are emitted, and this creates the white light we see. And there is a lot of it! It's blinding.
Is electricity produced by lightning dynamic or static?
Lightning is static electricity. Charges move and build to the point that the voltage is so great that an arc will begin. Gas atoms and molecules in air have electrons torn from their orbitals to support conduction, and the arc begins and propagates as the bolt of lightning. In contrast, an alternator in a vehicle will energize a circuit and charge the battery in that vehicle. This is an example of a dynamic electric source in action.
What a lightning rob does?
It is called a lightning rod and it protects buildings from lightning by guiding the lightning into the ground.
When lightning hits a lightning rod where does the lightning go?
The ground
Which one can you see -thunder or lightning?
you can see lightning
