Lightning - Atmospheric Discharge

Lightning can occur during thunderstorms, dust storms, or volcanic eruptions. A typical lightning bolt carries a current of tens of thousands of amperes, heating the air in its path to 20,000°C in a fraction of a second. This rapid heating creates a shockwave, which is heard as thunder.

In which natural events can lightning occur?

• During thunderstorms, dust storms, and volcanic eruptions

• During thunderstorms and dust storms

• Only during thunderstorms

• Only during volcanic eruptions

What is the typical current carried by a lightning bolt?

• Hundreds of amperes

• Thousands of amperes

• Tens of thousands of amperes

• Millions of amperes

How does a lightning bolt affect the air in its path?

• It creates a vacuum

• It heats the air to 20,000°C

• It cools the air to 0°C

• It ionizes the air

What phenomenon is created by the shockwave from a lightning bolt?

• Thunder

• Wind

• Rain

• Hail

Which of the following is NOT a result of a lightning strike?

• Shockwave

• Air heating

• Earthquake

• Thunder