What creates the crack that thunder makes? is the electrical speed breaking the sound barrier?

Question

or what? Lightning originates from a collection of static charge in the atmosphere, correct?

Answer 1

It is the expanded air from the heat!  When the air fills the created vacuum, that is what you hear.

Do not quote me, please.

Answer 2

Lightning occurs from the potential difference in the air from the ground. There are positive charges in the air and the negative charges on the ground.

Thunder occurs because when lightning moves through the air, it causes heating of the air. When air is heated, it expands. From the rapid heating, there is rapid expansion of air and that causes thunder because the expansion breaks the sound barrier.

Answer 3

The bolt of electricity heats the air so hot, it just about explodes.  The super-hot air (60,000 deg F) rushes away from the lightning bolt, leaving a vacuum behind.  The air is moving so fast, it goes faster than sound, creating a shock wave and thunder.