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The speed of lightning is somewhere between that of light and sound which is why most scientists would agree that the speed of light and the speed of sound make a good comparison to that of lightning and electricity.

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Why do thunder and lightning arrive at different times?

Thunder and lightning arrive at different times because light travels faster than sound. Lightning is the visual flash of electricity that moves almost instantaneously, while thunder is the sound created by the rapid expansion of air around the lightning bolt, which takes longer to reach our ears.


Why don't the thunder and lightning come together?

Thunder and lighting do occur together during a thunderstorm. Lightning is a sudden discharge of electricity in the atmosphere, which creates the bright light that we see, while thunder is the sound created by the rapid expansion of air around the lightning bolt. Light travels faster than sound, so we see the lightning before we hear the thunder.


Can Lightning and thunder occur simultaneously?

No. Thunder is the result of lightning when it hits the ground. After lightning hits the ground the air expands (because of the increase in temp.) and quickly condenses. That air condensing is what we hear when there is thunder. Because light travels faster than sound we see lightning then hear thunder.


During a thunderstorm you see the lightning followed by the sound of the thunder What causes the delay between the light and the sound?

The delay between the lightning and the sound of thunder is due to the difference in speed between light and sound. Light travels much faster than sound, so we see the lightning first before hearing the thunder. By counting the seconds between seeing the lightning and hearing the thunder, you can estimate how far away the lightning struck.


What is it called when lightning strikes with no thunder?

When lightning strikes with no thunder, it is called heat lightning. This phenomenon occurs when lightning is too far away for the sound to be heard but the light can still be seen. Heat lightning is typically observed on hot summer nights.

Related Questions

Is thunder electricity?

Thunder is not electricity itself, but rather the sound that results from the rapid expansion and contraction of air heated by a lightning bolt. Lightning is a discharge of electricity that occurs during a thunderstorm, which can produce the sound we hear as thunder.


What natural phenomenon is a result of static electricity in the air?

Lightning is a natural phenomenon that is a result of static electricity in the air. The buildup of static charge within clouds causes a discharge of electricity in the form of a lightning bolt, resulting in a visible flash of light and sound.


What is produced when static electricity is discharged in the air?

When static electricity is discharged in the air, it can produce a visible spark or a crackling sound. This occurs as the built-up electric charge is neutralized by moving from one object to another, usually through the air.


Is lightning or sound faster?

Lightning. Because it is the speed of light.


Why do thunder and lightning arrive at different times?

Thunder and lightning arrive at different times because light travels faster than sound. Lightning is the visual flash of electricity that moves almost instantaneously, while thunder is the sound created by the rapid expansion of air around the lightning bolt, which takes longer to reach our ears.


Why is thunder heard after the lightning is seen?

Thunder is heard after lightning because light travels faster than sound. When lightning occurs, it heats the surrounding air quickly, causing it to expand rapidly. This rapid expansion creates shock waves that we hear as thunder, but it takes longer for sound to travel through the air to reach our ears compared to light.


What is the visible discharge of electricity called?

ligtning po.. its true..


Why is it that lightning travels faster than sound?

Light speed is much faster than the speed of sound, ergo the light you see in lightning is visible, before you here the sound.


Why don't the thunder and lightning come together?

Thunder and lighting do occur together during a thunderstorm. Lightning is a sudden discharge of electricity in the atmosphere, which creates the bright light that we see, while thunder is the sound created by the rapid expansion of air around the lightning bolt. Light travels faster than sound, so we see the lightning before we hear the thunder.


Can Lightning and thunder occur simultaneously?

No. Thunder is the result of lightning when it hits the ground. After lightning hits the ground the air expands (because of the increase in temp.) and quickly condenses. That air condensing is what we hear when there is thunder. Because light travels faster than sound we see lightning then hear thunder.


During a thunderstorm you see the lightning followed by the sound of the thunder What causes the delay between the light and the sound?

The delay between the lightning and the sound of thunder is due to the difference in speed between light and sound. Light travels much faster than sound, so we see the lightning first before hearing the thunder. By counting the seconds between seeing the lightning and hearing the thunder, you can estimate how far away the lightning struck.


What is flash produced by a discharge of atmospheric electricity?

Flash produced by a discharge of atmospheric electricity is known as lightning. Lightning occurs when a build-up of electrical charge in the atmosphere is released, resulting in a visible flash of light and a loud thunderous sound. Lightning can be dangerous and cause damage to structures and harm to living organisms.