Question

What is electric discharge?

• A. Process of flow of electric charge from one body to another.
• B. Process of separation of charge inside a body (like inside clouds).
• C. Process of formation of clouds.
• D. Process of accumulation of charges inside a body.

Answer 1

The correct option is A. Process of flow of electric charge from one body to another.

The process of flow of electric charge from one body to another body is known as electric discharge. This can happen between solids, liquids and gases.

During the development of a thunderstorm, the air currents move upward while the water droplets move downward. These vigorous movements cause the separation of charges. By this process, the positive charges collect near the upper edges of the clouds and the negative charges accumulate near the lower edges. There is an accumulation of positive charges near the ground also. When the magnitude of the accumulated charges becomes very large, the air which is normally a poor conductor of electricity is no longer able to resist their flow. Negative and positive charges meet, producing streaks of bright light and sound. We see streaks as lightning. The process is called an electric discharge.

The process of electric discharge can occur between two or more clouds, or between clouds and the earth.