What produces a lightning bolt?

Answer 1

Answer

Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of electricity, which typically occurs during thunderstorms, and sometimes during volcanic eruptions or dust storms. How lightning initially forms is still a matter of debate. Scientists have studied root causes ranging from atmospheric perturbations (wind, humidity, and atmospheric pressure) to the impact of solar wind and accumulation of charged solar particles.

Answer

Anytime you have shocked someone with static electricity, heard the "Bvvvt," and maybe seen the spark, you have witnessed lightning! In general, lightning is caused by a difference in charge between the ground and a cloud, or between different parts of the cloud. When a large enough difference between positive and negative builds up, the electrons will move to equalize charge. This electrolizes the air which lights up similar to a fluorescent light bulb. Heat from this causes the gases in the air to expand rapidly; when they condense back down, they create a shock wave which travels through the air and reaches our ears as thunder.

Answer

The lightning bolt is created by induction. Because the earth and the bottom of the cloud do not touch, this is induction. The negatively charged cloud bottom induces the charge on the earth.