How Many Volts Are Generated in a Thunderstorm?

Discover how thunderstorms can generate up to a billion volts, creating stunning lightning phenomena.

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A thunderstorm can generate millions of volts. Specifically, the potential difference between the storm clouds and the ground can range from 100 million to 1 billion volts, creating the powerful phenomena of lightning.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What causes lightning during a thunderstorm? Lightning is caused by the discharge of electricity in a thunderstorm, resulting from the charged particles in the clouds.
  2. How do thunderstorms generate electricity? Thunderstorms generate electricity through the collision of ice particles within the clouds, leading to a build-up of electrical charges.
  3. What is the difference between thunder and lightning? Lightning is the visible discharge of electricity, while thunder is the sound produced by the rapid expansion of air heated by the strike.