What is thunder and why is it associated with lightning

Question

I understand lightning but why the loud thunder when there is a storm -

Answer 1

Thunder is the sonic boom caused by lightening traveling much faster than sound.

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Answer 2

Thunder is the sound made by superheated air as it rapidly expands when the lightning passes through it

Answer 3

The reason why lightning is always accompanied by thunder is because the thunder is caused by the bolt of electricity produced in a lightning strike. The deep rumbling and sharp cracks of thunder are produced as the air around the lightning bolt is super heated—up to 60,000 degrees Fahrenheit (33,315 C)—and rapidly expands. As the air cools and contracts, it creates a shock wave which manifests itself as thunder. The closer the lightning is, the louder the clap of thunder will be.

You will always see lightning before thunder because light travels faster than sound.

Answer 4

AJ is only kind of right ,,,,thunder is the sound made by lightning. Depending on the nature of the lightning and distance of the listener, it can range from a sharp, loud crack to a long, low rumble. The sudden increase in pressure and temperature from lightning produces rapid expansion of the air surrounding and within a bolt of lightning. In turn, this expansion of air creates a sonic shock wave which produces the sound of thunder.