Question

How does lightning occur between two charges within the cloud?

• A. When two negative charges grow large enough then a giant lightning sparks occurs
• B. When positive and negative charges grow large enough then a giant lightning sparks occurs
• C. When two positive charges grow large enough then a giant lightning sparks occurs
• D. None

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

When positive and negative charges grow large enough then a giant lightning sparks occurs

Build up of electrostatic charge in the clouds results in lightning. During this event, one region of the cloud is accumulated with positive charge whereas the other region is accumulated with negative charge. Hence when positive and negative charges grow large enough, the air present being non-conductive no more resists the flow of charges and electric discharge can be seen in the form of giant lightning sparks.