Question

How does electric discharge in lightning occur if air is a bad conductor?

• A. Air becomes a good conductor when lightning occurs.
• B. Magnitude of accumulated charges in clouds is very high.
• C. Water particles in the air help in flow of charges.
• D. Air has no role in the electric discharge.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Magnitude of accumulated charges in clouds is very high.

When the magnitude of the accumulated charges becomes very large, the air which is normally a poor conductor of electricity is unable to resist the flow. Thus, the charges pass through air.