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Lightning

Lightning occurs when built-up negative charges in clouds are discharged to the positively charged Earth. Electrons rubbing together in windy conditions cause clouds to build up negative charges, which push negative charges in the ground away, leaving it positively charged. When the repulsion becomes strong enough, the negative charges jump through the air as lightning and strike the positively charged ground or nearby object.

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Zabi Shaan
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261 views6 pages

Lightning

Lightning occurs when built-up negative charges in clouds are discharged to the positively charged Earth. Electrons rubbing together in windy conditions cause clouds to build up negative charges, which push negative charges in the ground away, leaving it positively charged. When the repulsion becomes strong enough, the negative charges jump through the air as lightning and strike the positively charged ground or nearby object.

Uploaded by

Zabi Shaan
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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).

Once enough negative charge builds up in a cloud, it repels so strongly (second Law of Electric Charges) that it jumps through the air (an insulator) and strikes the positively charged ground or the nearest object (first Law of Electric Charges).
More free powerpoints at www.worldofteaching.com

Lightning Rods
This figure shows how a lightning rod can protect a house from a lightning strike.

A metal rod is attached to the highest part of the building. A conductor is connected from the metal rod to a metal plate in the ground.

If lightning strikes the rod, the conductor carries the negative charges safely into the ground.

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