How does lightning form?

How does lightning form in a cloud?

Lightning is essentially a giant spark that occurs either within a cloud or between the cloud and the ground. Lightning forms and a charge develops because of tiny collations between ice particles within the cloud. This happens millions of times per second and as these charge particles then spread apart within the cloud larger regions of charge develop and when this charge gets large enough a lightning strike occurs. When the lightning connects with the ground it starts off as what is called a step leader which is a channel that grows or steps from the base of the cloud towards the ground and as it steps towards the ground, when it finally connects a full channel is created and what is called the return stroke occurs which is the lightning flash that you see.

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[quinnquinn]

This was very informative, I'll come back next week when I completely forget again

[drxn]

So lightning forms when there are two separate areas with opposite charge. The electricity in a lightening bolt is obtained by static build up in a cloud. This is formed when ice particles and water droplets collide against each other and build a charge. The lighter particles are pulled towards the top of the cloud and the heavier particles are dropped at the bottom of the cloud. As hail is formed from lighter particles, it gains weight and begins to fall. Sometimes, the hail rubs or collides against ice particles during its fall which exchange electrons. The hail gains electrons and becomes negative and the ice loses electrons, becoming positively charged. Now that the bottom of the cloud is negatively charged, negative charges on the earths surface are repelled but positively charged areas are attracted. If the difference in charge is large enough, a path for electricity can be made. If this is made, millions of volts of electricity move from the two areas in a lightning bolt. This travels at around 230, 000mph and can reach temperatures up to 30, 000 degrees Celsius. This heating occurs instantly. As it occurs so fast, it rapidly heats particles within our atmosphere and the particles in the air vibrate immensely. This causes large amounts of energy to be built up and cooler air particles move away from hot particles in a shockwave. We hear this shockwave as thunder in a bang or crackle.

[padmajabhuvanagiri]

The music is really appealing.The complete concept of lightning, including some new things was covered in a small video.

[harshitthakur]

It's the best explanation on YouTube

[wstevegaming]

Most well-explained and simple video I found, thanks

[PlaceHolder-mf]

For anyone wondering about the background music, unfortunately it is not a separate song, as in, it is not an official song, it is the video's own soundtrack.

[varshinilolla]

A very important point is mentioned in this video that wasn't in any other.
"Cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning comes from the sky down, but the part you see comes from the ground up. A typical cloud-to-ground flash lowers a path of negative electricity (that we cannot see) towards the ground in a series of spurts."

[dingpanda]

very good video and also quick for making meteorology science olympiad binder 👍

[CaseyAngelicaHardy]

So basically these electric thingys that live in the clouds crash together like magnets which makes the sky light up and causes a boom.

[aurosishmatruprasadrout]

Man you just have cleared my doubt which was with me since my school days.... Nice brother...

[henrihysenllari]

Someone please, THE BACKGROUND MUSIC?

[goatsanimations]

Fun fact: if you outside and the clouds are getting darker and your hair is getting spiky that means you run into shelter because lighting might strike you

[morgan]

Thanks alot. Was really confused about this.

[aaryanramani]

If people get struck by lightning, how do they survive the degree temperature?

[scotta.boutzis]

Nice video I like it and nice music. What’s the name of the music?

[bereniceuira]

I love this sound 😪where do i find more

[shadeeduliqaab]

Cumulonimbus is a dense, towering vertical cloud, forming from water vapor carried by powerful upward air currents. If observed during a storm, these clouds may be referred to as thunderheads. Cumulonimbus can form alone, in clusters, or along cold front squall lines.

[WinningChartsx]

I feel the human theory there’s only positive and negative is unfit. There has to be more we just can’t comprehend

[babulimurmu]

I like this I got some knowledge from this

[GalaxVerse]

This helped me a lot to understand 👍 thanks