Why does the thunder from lighting last much longer than the flash?

In summary, the flash from a lightning strike only lasts a fraction of a second while the sound can last 5-6 seconds. This can be explained by the length of the lightning bolt and the time it takes for sound to travel a longer distance. In some cases, echoes from nearby hills can also contribute to the duration of the sound. This can be seen in a video of a thunderstorm in southern California where the flash and sound can be observed at different times due to the presence of echoes.
  • #1
cantgetaname
41
0
I was walking home today when I noticed that the flash from a lighting takes a fraction of a second while the sound lasts a good 5-6 seconds.
I couldn't think of an explanation for this, except a wild guess that maybe the source of sound is a line source and sound from different points on the lightning bolt takes different times to reach the observer.
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
That's most of the answer. Lightning bolts can be miles long. Sound in air needs several seconds to travel a miles-longer path. Another answer depending on your surroundings is the presence of echoes, which create additional paths.
 
  • #3
Here is a video of an unusual (for southern California) thunderstorm. There are a few instances where you see the flash and hear the thunder. At this particular location, echoes from nearby hills add to the sound.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46yPXf2DwXc
 

1. Why does the thunder from lightning last much longer than the flash?

The duration of thunder and lightning is due to the difference in speed at which sound and light travel. Light travels much faster than sound, so the flash of lightning is seen almost instantly. However, sound waves travel at a slower speed, so it takes longer for the sound of thunder to reach our ears.

2. Is there a specific reason for the difference in duration between thunder and lightning?

Yes, the difference in duration is due to the nature of light and sound waves. Light waves are electromagnetic waves and can travel through vacuum at a speed of 299,792,458 meters per second. Sound waves, on the other hand, are mechanical waves that require a medium to travel through and have a speed of around 343 meters per second.

3. Does the distance of the lightning strike affect the duration of thunder?

Yes, the distance of the lightning strike does affect the duration of thunder. The farther away the lightning strike is, the longer it takes for the sound waves to reach our ears, resulting in a longer duration of thunder. This is why thunder can sometimes be heard several seconds after the lightning flash.

4. Can other factors influence the duration of thunder?

Yes, there are other factors that can influence the duration of thunder such as the temperature and humidity of the air. Sound waves travel faster in warmer and more humid air, so thunder may be heard for a shorter duration in these conditions compared to colder and drier air.

5. Is there a way to estimate the distance of a lightning strike by the duration of thunder?

Yes, there is a way to estimate the distance of a lightning strike by counting the number of seconds between the lightning flash and the sound of thunder. For every 5 seconds, the lightning strike is approximately 1 mile away. However, this method is not exact as there can be variations in the speed of sound due to different environmental conditions.

Similar threads

I Why does my ceiling glow in the dark?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
11
Views
386
Can large static discharge cause vision to see white flash?
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
8
Views
2K
How Fast Does a Tornado Travel If Lightning Strikes Twice?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
4K
B Einstein's Train Thought Experiment
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
16
Views
2K
I Understanding Relativity of Simultaneity in Resnick, Part II
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
20
Views
791
B New Paradox Discovered, I Think
    • Special and General Relativity
3
Replies
98
Views
2K
Question about light waves canceling each other
    • Optics
Replies
12
Views
3K
I A busy and interesting night sky in Mackinaw City
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
886
Lightning Bolts / Relativity of Simultaneity
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
2
Views
2K
I Problems with Einstein's 1920 "Relativity"
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
58
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top