Question 1

What is a lightning strike?

Accepted Answer

A lightning strike is a big flash of electricity in the sky. It happens during a storm and can be very bright and loud.

Question 2

How does lightning happen?

Accepted Answer

Lightning happens when clouds get filled with tiny bits of ice and water. These bits bump into each other and create electricity.

Question 3

Why is lightning so bright?

Accepted Answer

Lightning is bright because it is super-hot, much hotter than the surface of the sun. This heat makes a bright flash of light.

Question 4

Why is there thunder with lightning?

Accepted Answer

Thunder happens because lightning heats the air very fast. This makes a loud boom as the hot air expands quickly.

Question 5

Can lightning strike a person?

Accepted Answer

Yes, lightning can strike people, but it’s rare. Most people are safe if they stay indoors during a storm.

Question 6

What should I do if I'm outside during a storm?

Accepted Answer

If you're outside, find shelter indoors or in a car. Stay away from trees and metal objects since they can attract lightning.

Question 7

Why does lightning strike tall things?

Accepted Answer

Lightning is kind of like a shortcut for electricity. It strikes tall things because they're closer to the sky.

Question 8

Can you predict where lightning will strike?

Accepted Answer

It's really hard to predict exactly where lightning will strike. We just know that it often strikes tall objects.

Question 9

Is lightning dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Yes, lightning is dangerous because it carries a lot of electricity. It can hurt people and start fires.

Question 10

How fast is lightning?

Accepted Answer

Lightning is incredibly fast. It travels at the speed of light, which is much faster than a car or an airplane.

Question 11

Why do storms have lightning?

Accepted Answer

Storms have lightning because they have lots of electrical energy. This energy builds up in clouds and creates lightning.

Question 12

Can animals be hit by lightning?

Accepted Answer

Yes, animals can be hit by lightning if they're outside during a storm. They need shelter just like people do.

Question 13

Is there lightning on other planets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, scientists think there is lightning on other planets like Jupiter and Venus. Their storms are similar to Earth's.

Question 14

How hot is a lightning bolt?

Accepted Answer

A lightning bolt is super-hot, about five times hotter than the sun's surface. That's why it can burn things it hits.

Question 15

What color is lightning?

Accepted Answer

Lightning usually looks white or blue, but it can also look purple, yellow, or orange. The color can change because of what's in the air.

Question 16

Does lightning always hit the ground?

Accepted Answer

No, not always. Sometimes lightning stays in the clouds or goes from one cloud to another.

Question 17

Why does my hair stand up during a storm?

Accepted Answer

If your hair stands up during a storm, it means there’s lots of electricity in the air. It’s a good warning to find shelter.

Question 18

Can buildings be protected from lightning?

Accepted Answer

Yes, buildings can be protected with a lightning rod. It's a metal stick that takes the electricity safely to the ground.

Question 19

What sounds do you hear during a lightning storm?

Accepted Answer

During a lightning storm, you can hear thunder. It can sound like a loud boom or a rumbling noise.

Question 20

Why does it sometimes seem like the thunder is far away?

Accepted Answer

Thunder can seem far away because sound travels slower than light. You see the lightning first and hear the thunder later.

The Anatomy of a Lightning Strike - 20 FAQs Explained Simply