Static electricity flowing from cloud to ground or from cloud to cloud is known as what phenomenon?

Static electricity flowing from cloud to ground or from cloud to cloud is known as what phenomenon?

• A. Spark
• B. Electrical Discharge
• C. Current
• D. Lightning

Answer: (D)

Lightning is the rapid electrostatic discharge that occurs when large charges in clouds create a strong electric field in the surrounding air. When air breaks down and becomes ionized, a conductive plasma channel forms and current flows, producing the bright flash and sound we call lightning. This can occur from cloud to ground or between clouds. A spark refers to a small, localized discharge; electrical discharge is the general process of charge separation and release; current is the flow of electricity, not the event itself. Lightning is the large-scale atmospheric discharge described here.

Lightning is the rapid electrostatic discharge that occurs when large charges in clouds create a strong electric field in the surrounding air. When air breaks down and becomes ionized, a conductive plasma channel forms and current flows, producing the bright flash and sound we call lightning. This can occur from cloud to ground or between clouds. A spark refers to a small, localized discharge; electrical discharge is the general process of charge separation and release; current is the flow of electricity, not the event itself. Lightning is the large-scale atmospheric discharge described here.