Question

During lightning, which of the following occurs?

• A. There will be a flow of large number of electrons from the cloud to the ground.
• B. There will be a flow of protons from the cloud to the ground.
• C. No flow happens.
• D. Depends upon the charge of cloud.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

There will be a flow of large number of electrons from the cloud to the ground.

Hailstones carry electrons to the bottom of the cloud and accumulate there. The accumulation of negative charges at the bottom of the cloud causes the ground to accumulate positive charges by induction. The accumulation of unlike charges at two ends causes the electrons to flow once a path is established, in the form of an intersection between the stepped leaders and positive streamers.