Sparks in the Sky
Lightning occurs when clouds during a storm build up a large amount of electrical energy. Inside these storm clouds, tiny bits of ice bump into each other and create electric charges. Some parts of the cloud become positively charged, while others become negatively charged. When the difference between them gets too big, a giant spark of electricity jumps through the air; that’s lightning! It moves super fast and lights up the sky in a flash.
From the Cloud to the Ground
Sometimes, lightning flashes just inside the clouds, but other times it shoots down to the ground. This happens when the negative charge at the bottom of the cloud connects with the positive charge on the Earth. The air between them can’t hold back the electricity anymore, so a bolt of lightning zaps through. Thunder comes right after because the air gets super hot and expands fast, making a loud BOOM!
FAQs
Q: Why does thunder come after lightning?
A: Lightning is light and travels faster than sound, so we see the flash before we hear the boom.
Q: Is lightning hotter than the sun?
A: Yes! A lightning bolt can be even hotter than the surface of the sun for a tiny moment.
🧠 Conspiracy Theory
Some people believe that lightning is actually sky dragons having a secret battle above the clouds.
😅 Dad Joke
What did one lightning bolt say to the other? You’re shocking!
