What happen when lighting strikes?

Answer 1

Lightning is a flash of electricity from the storm clouds to the ground. It is caused by conditions that build up a difference in electrical potential, measured in volts, between the clouds and the ground. When it strikes it usually hits the highest point in that area. Therefore don't take shelter under a tree in a thunder storm (or carry a large metal object). These "lightning strikes" have tremendous power and bring down large trees, kill people and in their journey from where they hit to ground cause much damage. If you are caught in a lightning and thunder storm, stay away from tres and stand with your feet together as the lightning, if it hits the ground nearby, can travel through the ground up one leg into the body and down the other leg. Having the legs together lessens the difference in potential from one leg to the other and will mininise the shock. In the same way as welding can burn metal, lightning much more powerful, burns and vapourises things in its path.

Answer 2

When light strikes matter, there are three possible means of interaction depending on whether the object is rough, smooth, opaque, translucent or transparent. Light will get transmitted or absorbed or reflected accordingly.