How does thunder and lightning work?

Question

i'm just wondering, i could look on the internet but i dont want to. you can say as much scientific stuff as you want lol

Answer 1

Lightning is a static discharge between clouds, or between the Earth and the clouds.  Opposing charges build up but the air is a good insulator.  As the charges build, channels of charge reach out in various directions from both opposing charges.  Eventually two channels will connect, and boom!  the lightning strikes.  Lightning is very hot, and it heats the air around the bolt a great deal.  Since heated air expands, the sudden and dramatic heating of the air causes it to expand explosively, producing a concussion wave we call thunder.

Answer 2

You will find much information about lightning and thunder in the following websites...

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/srh/jetstream/li...

http://www.srh.weather.gov/srh/jetstream...

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/primer/lightnin...

http://www.wunderground.com/health/light...

http://www.lightningmaster.com/FAQ.htm

http://www.ucar.edu/communications/infop...

http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/0075...

http://www.ourbetternature.org/lightning...