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If you hear the thunder almost at the same time as the lightning flash - the storm is directly overhead. Usually - the sound of thunder arrives a few seconds after the lightning, because light travels much faster than sound.

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7y ago

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What is the difference between a thunderstorm and lightning?

A thunderstorm is a weather system characterized by thunder, lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds. Lightning, on the other hand, is a sudden electrostatic discharge produced during a thunderstorm, resulting in a visible flash of light and a loud cracking or rumbling noise. Thunder is the sound produced by lightning as it heats the air and causes it to rapidly expand.


Why does lightning cause thunder?

Lightning is an electric discharge from the cloud to ground (although you can have other types, such as cloud to cloud). When the lightning strikes it heats up the surrounding air so fast that it causes an explosion, which is heard as thunder.


What is the difference between a lightning storm and a thunderstorm?

A lightning storm is a storm that primarily consists of frequent lightning strikes with little to no rain or thunder. A thunderstorm, on the other hand, is a storm that produces thunder and lightning, as well as heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes hail. Thunder is caused by the rapid expansion and contraction of air around a lightning bolt.


How are thunderstorms different from rain showers?

Thunderstorms are more intense than rain showers, with the potential for lightning, thunder, strong winds, and sometimes hail. Thunderstorms are often associated with convective activity and can lead to heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Rain showers, on the other hand, are typically lighter and shorter in duration, lacking the intensity and dynamics of a thunderstorm.


Why do you often hear thunder when you see lightning?

You often hear thunder when you see lightning because lightning produces a sudden and rapid heating of the air around it, causing it to expand quickly. This rapid expansion creates a shock wave that we hear as thunder. The farther away you are from the lightning, the longer it takes for the sound to reach you.

Related Questions

What is the difference between a thunderstorm and lightning?

A thunderstorm is a weather system characterized by thunder, lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds. Lightning, on the other hand, is a sudden electrostatic discharge produced during a thunderstorm, resulting in a visible flash of light and a loud cracking or rumbling noise. Thunder is the sound produced by lightning as it heats the air and causes it to rapidly expand.


Is thunder visible?

Thunder itself is not visible. Thunder is the sound produced by the rapid expansion of heated air surrounding a lightning bolt. Lightning, on the other hand, is visible and is the actual electrical discharge that produces the light we see during a storm.


Can lightning come without thunder?

Lightning is the electrical discharge which neutralises the static electricity built up within the cloud or between cloud and earth.The very hot plasma bolt which transmits the electrical current super heats water molecules which expand with such speed that they produce the sound of thunder.The only way I can think that this is not the case is if the air is very dry indeed. Almost without exception, the two will always occur together.


Is Thunder is a source of light?

No, thunder is not a source of light; it is the sound produced by the rapid expansion of air surrounding a lightning strike. Lightning, on the other hand, is the electrical discharge that creates a bright flash of light during a storm. While they often occur together during thunderstorms, they are distinct phenomena.


Can thunder storms occur without lightning?

most likely there is lighting from a further away storm and that's why the thunder occurs other wise i don't know


Why does lightning cause thunder?

Lightning is an electric discharge from the cloud to ground (although you can have other types, such as cloud to cloud). When the lightning strikes it heats up the surrounding air so fast that it causes an explosion, which is heard as thunder.


Use of pan balance?

Benjamin Franklin believe that Thunder loud carried electricity and that lightning was a large flash of electricity. The main idea was electricity because thunder and lightning is electricity so the main idea.


What is the difference between a lightning storm and a thunderstorm?

A lightning storm is a storm that primarily consists of frequent lightning strikes with little to no rain or thunder. A thunderstorm, on the other hand, is a storm that produces thunder and lightning, as well as heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes hail. Thunder is caused by the rapid expansion and contraction of air around a lightning bolt.


How are thunderstorms different from rain showers?

Thunderstorms are more intense than rain showers, with the potential for lightning, thunder, strong winds, and sometimes hail. Thunderstorms are often associated with convective activity and can lead to heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Rain showers, on the other hand, are typically lighter and shorter in duration, lacking the intensity and dynamics of a thunderstorm.


Why do you often hear thunder when you see lightning?

You often hear thunder when you see lightning because lightning produces a sudden and rapid heating of the air around it, causing it to expand quickly. This rapid expansion creates a shock wave that we hear as thunder. The farther away you are from the lightning, the longer it takes for the sound to reach you.


What is more dangerous thunder or lightning?

Lightning is more dangerous than thunder because it can cause injury or death if it strikes a person or object. Thunder, on the other hand, is merely the sound produced by lightning as it heats the air and creates a shockwave.


Why do thunder form?

thunder comes after the lightning. so, the lightning is related to how thunders are form. when lightning strikes, it warms the air surrounded to it. then, when the hot air meets and crash with each other, they make a noise.