A Wonderleaf question
Why does lightning happen?
a real page from the book
Lightning happens when a storm cloud builds up separated electric charges, then the air between them suddenly lets electricity race through. Ice and hail bits collide inside the cloud, moving electrons around until one region is very negative and another is positive. The bright flash is that charge rushing to balance.
That channel of electricity heats the air fiercely, so the air expands fast and makes thunder. Many flashes stay inside clouds, while some connect cloud and ground. The crooked shape comes from the path feeling its way through air in short steps.
Wonder words
- electrons
- charge
- thunder
- leader
Try it out
Rub a balloon on dry hair, hold it near small paper scraps, and watch static electricity tug them upward.
Read the whole picture book
Watercolour scenes, straight answers, about three minutes cover to cover.
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