When we observe the sky during a thunderstorm, lightning always captures our attention with its spectacularity path to zig Zag. But have you ever wondered why they move this way? The answer lies in the very nature of the atmosphere and the physics of meteorological phenomena.
What causes lightning?
THE lightning they are very powerful electrical discharges that occur between clouds or between a cloud and the ground. They form due to the accumulation of electrical charges inside the clouds. This process it begins when ice particles within a thundercloud collide and exchange electrons.
When the difference in electric charge becomes too great, the air, which is a natural insulator, is no longer able to prevent the passage of the electric current, giving rise to lightning. The discharge seeks the path of least resistance to the ground, which explains its movement apparently random and zigzag.
Why does lightning move in zigzags?
The path to zig Zag of lightning, also known as the “sawtooth pattern,” is primarily the result of variations in the composition of the air between the cloud and the ground. Different environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, the presence of particles and the configuration of the field terrestrial electromagnetic, influence the direction of the electric discharge.
When lightning begins to form, it moves downward through areas of lower electrical resistance in the air. If he meets one area of greater resistence, deviates in search of another easier route. This behavior causes the typical zigzag pattern we observe during i temporal.
Lightning is not only a sight to behold, but also a natural phenomenon of great power. Every year, lightning causes damage to structures, power outages and even loss of life. There comprehension of how they form and move can help to improve them measures safety during storms.
The next time you witness a thunderstorm, in addition to enjoying the spectacle of lightning, you will also be able to appreciate the complexity of processes natural phenomena behind these incredible natural phenomena. And you, have you ever had an experience particular with lightning? Share it in the comments!
#lightning #formed #zigzag #path
