Physics

How Lightning Works

How Lightning Works

Main focus of this lecture is to present on how Lightning Works. Lightning transfers electrons from the atmosphere to Earth. Electrons build up in clouds because wind causes them to rub together (Charging by friction). The negative charges in the clouds push the negative charges in the ground away leaving positive charges on the surface (Charging by induction). When there is a net transfer of positive energy from the cloud to the ground, the strikes are considered positive lightning strikes. These strikes originate from areas of the cloud that have areas of high positive charge, such as top of the cloud or upper parts of the thunderstorm.