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Lightning is caused by electric charges releasing energy. When the denser (positive charges) go to the top of the cloud, the less dense (negative charges) go to the bottom. This creates an electric imbalance of charges. In the ground, the negative charges are pushed away because the positive charges are attracted to the negative charges at the bottom of the cloud. If an object is in the way the lightning does what it has to to get to the ground, so it will get there faster. When the lightning is discharged you only glimpse it for a second until it disappears. It can travel 75 m/sec, so even though it creates light it is a release of energy so it doesn't travel at the speed of light.

By Brian Hang
lightning is not necessarily formed but is just a large build up of static electricity between a point on the ground and the storm cloud. Its when these plus and minus charges come together to form a lightning strike.
Lightning is basically static electricity between the cloud and the ground. The cloud has too much of one charge (normally negative), while the ground has too much of the opposite charge (normally positive). The lightning bolt is the name of the electrical discharge between the two objects. It can also be between cloud-tree, cloud-car, or even (ouch!) cloud-human.
Electricity in the air.

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What phase does a bolt of lightning exist in?

A bolt of lightning primarily exists in the plasma phase. This is a high-energy state where electrons are separated from atoms, creating a conducting medium that allows electricity to flow through the air.


How many protons and electrons and neutrons does a bolt of lightning have?

A bolt of lightning does not have a fixed number of protons, electrons, or neutrons, as it is a transient electrical discharge. Lightning is a flow of electrons between the atmosphere and the ground, resulting in a temporary equalization of charge. The number of protons and electrons involved in a lightning bolt would depend on the specific conditions of the discharge and the elements present in the atmosphere at that moment. Neutrons are not typically involved in lightning phenomena.


How many names are there for the form of lightning?

There are several names for different forms of lightning, including forked lightning, sheet lightning, ball lightning, and ribbon lightning. Each type of lightning is characterized by its appearance and behavior during a thunderstorm.


Which element has allotrope produced by lightning?

Nitrogen has an allotrope called nitric oxide (NO) that is produced when lightning strikes, as the high temperatures and pressures created during a lightning strike can cause nitrogen and oxygen in the air to react and form this compound.


Does lightning help in nitrogen fixation?

Yes, lightning can help in nitrogen fixation by splitting nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere, which then combines with oxygen to form nitrogen oxides. These nitrogen oxides are washed out of the atmosphere by rain, allowing them to be used by plants as a nutrient.

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