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.
Thunder is heard after lightning is seen because lightning produces a rapid expansion of air, creating shock waves that we hear as thunder.
(Moved from discussion comments) SEED! Lightning happens first. then thunder. So... Thunder is to Lightning as Grape is to Seed. (2nd, 1st):(2nd, 1st)
The time it takes to hear thunder after lightning strikes is typically about 5 seconds for every mile of distance between you and the lightning.
Dry thunder is a weather phenomenon where thunder and lightning occur without any accompanying precipitation reaching the ground. It can increase the risk of wildfires because the lightning strikes can ignite dry vegetation.
The sudden flashes of light and trembling sound waves are involved in lightning and thunder. These waves are caused because of the Sudden electrical discharges resulting from atmospheric conditions.
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.
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).
When negative and positive come to gether in the clouds.
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.
it would thunder and have lightning
thunder is the sound of lightning if that is what you are asking
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.
The Latin words for thunder and lightning are: Thunder = Tonitrus Lightning = Fulgoris, Fulgor Storm = Procella
Thunder is "heleleʻi" and lightning is "ainalā" in Hawaiian.
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.
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.
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.