The Waves in Thunderstorms: Lightning and Thunder

What natural phenomenon includes both lightning and thunder?

• Earthquake

• Thunderstorm

• Tornado

• Hurricane

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Which of the following phenomena is most closely associated with the formation of thunder and lightning?

• sound waves

• mechanical waves

• electromagnetic waves

• transverse waves

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Why is lightning observed before thunder?

• Lightning occurs after thunder.

• Light travels faster than sound.

• Thunder travels faster than light.

• Lightning is louder than thunder.

What type of wave is lightning primarily composed of?

• longitudinal waves

• electromagnetic waves

• compression waves

• surface waves

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

Thunder is generated by the rapid expansion and contraction of air. This phenomenon is most closely related to which characteristic of waves?

• amplitude

• frequency

• wavelength

• speed

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Which wave property determines the loudness of thunder?

• frequency

• wavelength

• speed

• amplitude

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

What color can lightning NOT be?

• Black

• Red

• Green

• Blue

What type of lightning strikes from the ground to the sky?

• Sheet lightning

• Ball lightning

• Fork lightning

• Ground-to-sky lightning

What is a safe action to take during a thunderstorm?

• Use electrical devices

• Go inside a house

• Stay in an open field

• Stand under a tree

Lightning often accompanies thunderstorms. Which wave property of lightning is related to its color?

• speed

• frequency

• wavelength

• amplitude