We all enjoy rains, but sometimes when there are heavy rains along with thunderstorms- we see big sparks and we get scared. What is lightning? How is it produced? We will answer all these questions in this module.

How is lightning produced?

During the development of a thunderstorm, the air currents move upward and water droplets move downward. These vigorous movements cause the separation of charges. The positive charges collect near the upper edge of the clouds and the negative charges accumulate near the lower edge. Also, there is an accumulation of positive charges near the ground.

Air is a poor conductor of electricity so it doesn�t conduct these charges but when the magnitude of the accumulated charges becomes very large, the air is no longer able to resist their flow. Negative and positive charges meet, producing streaks of bright light and sound. We see these streaks as lightning. The process is known as electric discharge.

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

Is lightning different from the spark?

You might have seen sparks on an electric pole when wires become loose. You might have also seen sparks when a plug is loose in its socket and you must have seen the lightning with the thunder during heavy rains. In fact, lightning is also an electric spark, but on a very large scale.

Lightning is caused by the accumulation of charges in the clouds.

In 1752, Benjamin Franklin, an American scientist, showed that lightning and sparks are essentially the same phenomena.

Lightning Conductor

A lightning strike could destroy both life and property. It is, therefore, necessary to take measures to protect these using protective devices. The lightning conductor is one such device. It is used to protect buildings from the effect of lightning.

A metallic rod, taller than the building, is installed in the walls of the building during its construction. One end of the rod is kept out in the air and the other is buried deep into the ground. This is called a lightning conductor, as it provides an easy route for the transfer of electric charge to the ground.

Lightning Safety

We have seen many times that thunderbolt strike destroys life and property, then how to protect ourselves?

Do�s and Don�ts during a thunderstorm-

� No open place is safe so on hearing a thunder sound, rush to a safer place like a house or a building.
� If you are traveling by car or bus, close the windows and doors of the vehicle.
� If you are in a forest, take shelter under shorter trees.
� If no shelter is available and you are in an open field, stay far away from all the trees
� Stay away from poles or other metal objects
� Do not lie down on the ground, instead squat low on the ground like this. This position will make you the smallest target to be struck.
� Lightning is an electrical discharge and can strike telephone cords, electrical wires, and metal pipes, so avoid them.
� It is safer to use mobile phones.
� Bathing should be avoided to avoid contact with running water.
� Electrical appliances like computers, TV, etc. should be unplugged.
� Although electrical lights may remain on.

Read More: What is Thunderstorm? Definition and Precaution - Science Class 7