Lightning is due to 

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NDA-II 2024 (GAT) Official Paper (Held On: 01 Sept, 2024)
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  1. The flow of charges between different parts of the cloud
  2. The short-circuiting of charges between the upper and lower surfaces of the cloud 
  3. The collection of positively charged particles on the base and collection of negatively charged particles at the top of the cloud  
  4. The induction of positive charge on the ground below the negative charge at the base of the cloud 

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : The flow of charges between different parts of the cloud
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Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is The flow of charges between different parts of the cloud.

Key Points

  • Lightning is primarily caused by the flow of electric charges between different parts of a cloud or between a cloud and the ground.
  • During a thunderstorm, the lower part of the cloud becomes negatively charged, while the upper part becomes positively charged.
  • The movement of these charges creates a strong electric field that can ionize the air and lead to a discharge of electricity, known as lightning.
  • This discharge can happen within a cloud, between clouds, or between a cloud and the ground, resulting in a visible flash of light.

Additional Information

  • Electric Field
    • An electric field is created when there is a separation of charges within a cloud.
    • This electric field is strong enough to ionize the air and create a conductive path for the lightning discharge.
  • Cloud-to-Ground Lightning
    • This type of lightning occurs when the negative charge at the base of the cloud is attracted to the positive charge on the ground.
    • The result is a lightning bolt that travels from the cloud to the ground.
  • Intra-cloud Lightning
    • This type of lightning occurs within a single cloud or between multiple clouds.
    • It is the most common type of lightning and is caused by the transfer of charges within the cloud.
  • Thunder
    • Thunder is the sound caused by the rapid expansion of air surrounding the path of a lightning bolt.
    • It occurs because the intense heat from the lightning causes the air to expand quickly, creating a shockwave.
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