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Clouds can build up very high electrical charges. This can create a very high EMF (Electromotive Force, AKA Voltage) between clouds or from cloud to earth. When this force gets large enough, an electrical discharge current will arc from cloud to cloud or cloud to earth. This discharge arc makes itself known by the light it releases (which we call lightning) and the sound it creates (which we call thunder) as it heats the air along the discharge path.

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15y ago

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Why do thunder and lightning usally happen together?

Thunder and lightning usually happen together because they are both produced during the same weather phenomenon known as a thunderstorm. Lightning is a result of the discharge of electricity in the atmosphere, which rapidly heats the air to create the sound waves we hear as thunder. The light travels faster than the sound, so we see the lightning first and hear the thunder shortly after.


Why doesn't thunder and lighting happen at the same time?

Actually, thunder and lightning DO happen at the same time, but unless you are within the immediate proximity of the lightning strike, the observer usually sees the flash before hearing the thunder because light travels much faster (~11,000,000 mph) than sound (~750 mph).


What time does lightning and thunder happen?

When negative and positive come to gether in the clouds.


What causes lots of lightning but no thunder during a storm?

Lightning without thunder during a storm is typically caused by a phenomenon known as heat lightning. Heat lightning occurs when lightning strikes far away and the sound of thunder does not travel as far as the light from the strike. This can happen when the storm is too far away for the sound waves to reach your location, resulting in the appearance of lightning without the accompanying thunder.


What would most likely happen during a rain storm?

it would thunder and have lightning


Is thunder the eco of lightning?

thunder is the sound of lightning if that is what you are asking


Does it need to be raining for thunder and lightning to occur?

No, thunder and lightning can occur without rain. Lightning is a natural electrical discharge in the atmosphere that can happen in various weather conditions, including clear skies. Thunder is the sound caused by the rapid expansion of air around a lightning bolt.


What are the latin words for thunder and lightning?

The Latin words for thunder and lightning are: Thunder = Tonitrus Lightning = Fulgoris, Fulgor Storm = Procella


How do you say thunder and lightning in Hawaiian?

Thunder is "heleleʻi" and lightning is "ainalā" in Hawaiian.


Is it true that thunder and lightning simultaneous?

Yes, technically thunder and lightning originate at the same time. However, light travels much faster than sound so even though they start simultaneously you will hear the thunder after you see the lightning unless you are very close to the bolt.


Does thunder cause lightning or does lightning cause thunder. Explain?

Lightning causes thunder. Lightning is a massive electrical discharge that you see as a bolt or flash of light. Thunder is the sound caused when the lightning superheats the air, creating a shockwave.


What happens when there is lightning but no thunder?

Thunder is the sound caused by lightning, there is always thunder with lightning. If you cannot hear thunder maybe that is because you are too far away from the storm.