Understanding Lightning

The video explains lightning as a form of static electrical discharge, similar to a shock from a doorknob. It describes how charges build up in storm clouds, leading to electrical discharges between clouds and the ground, resulting in lightning. The video highlights the dangers of lightning, noting that it kills and injures people annually in the U.S. It provides safety tips, such as seeking shelter and avoiding open spaces during storms.

What causes the buildup of negative charges at the bottom of a storm cloud?

• High temperatures in the atmosphere

• Movement of water droplets and particles

• Presence of tall objects on the ground

• Strong winds during a storm

What is the primary reason we hear thunder during a lightning storm?

• The movement of charged particles

• The rapid expansion of superheated air

• The reflection of sound waves from the ground

• The collision of clouds

How many people are killed by lightning on average each year in the United States?

• 150

• 66

• 100

• 50

Which of the following is NOT a recommended safety measure during a thunderstorm?

• Stand next to tall objects

• Seek shelter in a well-constructed building

• Avoid open spaces like golf courses

• Wait 30 minutes after the last flash before leaving shelter

What should you do if you cannot find shelter during a lightning storm?

• Climb a tree

• Seek lower elevations

• Stand in an open field

• Hold a metal object