Diagrams shown of thunder and lightning?

Question

how do thunder and lightning forms

Answer 1

Here are a couple sites where you can get that information.

Answer 2

Lightning is basically the result of a static electrical discharge between clouds, or the clouds and the ground.  The motion of objects within the clouds (rain drops, ice crystals, hail) helps to generate an electrical field.  Eventually, the insulating effect of the air breaks down in narrow channels and the lightning "strikes".  Lightning is very very hot, and when it strikes, the air surrounding the bolt is heated explosively and it expands.  That explosive expansion creates a shock wave which we sense as thunder.