Lightening is a natural phenomenon in which the light energy is discharged in a powerful way. It is usually followed up by thunder. Some people are more afraid of lightening. This phenomenon is called astraphobia. The lightening is the atmospheric charge and it is mostly seen during thunder storms and dust storms and volcanic eruptions. It is mostly associated with rain but it is not compulsory that it will always occur with rain. Here we are discussing some interesting facts about lightening. These facts give us valuable information about lightening and tend to explain this mysterious phenomenon. These facts not only give us knowledge but also answer the confusing questions which wobble in our mind. Some of these interesting facts are
1. Natural phenomenon
Lightening is a natural phenomenon and it cannot be produced artificially. Some experiments are performed but they cannot be compared to the original lightening.
2. Electric discharge
Lightening is the electric discharge in atmosphere. The electric charge is released in the atmosphere in form of lightening. It is in form of a spark.
3. Thunder
Lightening is usually followed up by thunder. Lightening is seen first and then after few seconds we here the thunder sound. This is mostly seen during thunder storms. Other than thunder storms lightening is also seen in volcanic eruptions and hurricanes.
4. Ionize Air
Lightening is an electric charge and thus it ionizes the air when it passes through it. It leads to the formation of nitric oxide.
5. Speed
Lightening travels at a high speed. The speed of light is estimated to be more than 200,000 km/h.
6. Kill People
Lightening can also kill people. The number of survivors from lightening strikes is very low. It is very fatal and also cause damage to the property.
7. Sources
The sources or reasons of lightening are not only thunderstorms. They also include hurricanes, nuclear detonations, and volcanic eruptions
8. Energy
Lightning bolts contains great amount of energy. One bolt of a lightening contains more than one billon volts of electricity. It is more than enough to run a city for years without any electric breakdown.
9. Temperature
Lightning bolts are very hot. They are five times more hot than sun. it can reach temperature more than 50,000 F.
10. Benefits Plants
Lightning bolts are also beneficial for plants. It ionizes the air and produce nitric oxide which ultimately leads to the formation of nitric acid which is helpful for plants.