Reading - The Phenomenon Of Lightening

​The Phenomenon of Lightening

​ The phenomenon of lightening has been a source of danger and mystery throughout the centuries, and only recently have scientists begun to understand its true nature. We know now that lightening is a huge electrical spark caused by the interaction of electrical particles in the atmosphere. During a thunderstorm , heavy particles take on negative charges and fall to the bottom of clouds, while particles holding a positive charge rise to the top. Lightening results when energy flows between the two types of charges.

​ What is still not understood is the process by which particles become electrically charged. Most scientists believe that a cloud's light , rising moisture and tiny pieces of ice collide with the hail and other heavy falling particles. The collision may cause these elements to take on either a positive or negative charge.

​ The most feared form of lightening is that which strikes the ground in one or more electrical discharges called strokes. Any one of these strokes is capable of causing death, destroying property , or igniting fires. It is interesting to note that the bright flash of light produced by lightening bolts actually occurs as the discharge returns to the sky and not as they descend towards the ground. For this reason, lightening bolts heat the surrounding air and cause it to expand, thus producing a wave of pressure called thunder.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following would be the best title for this passage?

• Scientific Mysteries Of The Skies

• The Dangers of Lightening

• Atmospheric Phenomenon

Multiple Choice

The passage explains that lightening is:

• The result of thunder.

• Electrically charged and volatile.

• A sound wave which is caused b

Multiple Choice

According to the passage, what causes lightening?

• The falling of heavy rain or precipitation.

• An electrical discharge of particles falling from a cloud.

• A loud booming noise in a humid sky.

Multiple Choice

It can be inferred from the passage that positively charged particles are:

• not involved in the production of thunder storms.

• are lighter than negative ones and rise.

• are the only ones found in clouds.

Multiple Choice

The author explains paragraph 3 that many people who see lightening believe they observe :

• A bolt actually flash as it hits the ground.

• A harmless electrical charge.

• The most comm cause of wildfires.

Multiple Choice

A last paragraph in this selection would most likely discuss:

• The worst historical fires caused by lightening.

• The reasons why thunder is an ominous sign of the dangers of lightening.

• Another weather phenomenon like tornados or hurricanes.

Multiple Choice

According to the author, particles in clouds become electrically charged when:

• energy flows between heavy charged and lighter negative particles.

• heavy particles fall from the clouds to the ground.

• A lightening bolt zaps the air and causes it to expand.