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Puneeth423
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In which direction do current flow during lightning? If it is from cloud to earth, which charge gets accumulated in below part of the cloud?
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Types
Some lightning strikes exhibit particular characteristics; scientists and the general public have given names to these various types of lightning. The lightning that is most-commonly observed is streak lightning. This is nothing more than the return stroke, the visible part of the lightning stroke. The majority of strokes occur inside a cloud so we do not see most of the individual return strokes during a thunderstorm.[citation needed]
Cloud-to-Ground lightning Cloud-to-Ground is the best known and second most common type of lightning. Of all the different types of lightning, it poses the greatest threat to life and property since it strikes the ground. Cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning is a lightning discharge between a cumulonimbus cloud and the ground. It is initiated by a leader stroke moving down from the cloud.
Bead lightning is a type of cloud-to-ground lightning which appears to break up into a string of short, bright sections, which last longer than the usual discharge channel. It is relatively rare. Several theories have been proposed to explain it; one is that the observer sees portions of the lightning channel end on, and that these portions appear especially bright. Another is that, in bead lightning, the width of the lightning channel varies; as the lightning channel cools and fades, the wider sections cool more slowly and remain visible longer, appearing as a string of beads.
Ribbon lightning occurs in thunderstorms with high cross winds and multiple return strokes. The wind will blow each successive return stroke slightly to one side of the previous return stroke, causing a ribbon effect.[citation needed]
Staccato lightning is a cloud-to-ground lightning (CG) strike which is a short-duration stroke that (often but not always) appears as a single very bright flash and often has considerable branching.[41] These are often found in the visual vault area near the mesocyclone of rotating thunderstorms and coincides with intensification of thunderstorm updrafts. A similar cloud-to-cloud strike consisting of a brief flash over a small area, appearing like a blip, also occurs in a similar area of rotating updrafts.
Ground-to-cloud Ground to cloud lightning is an artificially initiated, or triggered, category of ground flashes. Triggered lightning goes from tall structures on the ground, such as towers on mountains, to clouds.[42]
Puneeth423 said:You know current will flow only when the path is complete and closed. In this case, that doesn't happen. Lightning dies after some time? Its not a complete or closed path. How can you tell that charges are flowing or current is flowing?
Puneeth423 said:.....which charge gets accumulated in below part of the cloud?
As the field increases, the positive streamer may evolve into a hotter, higher current leader which eventually connects to the descending stepped leader from the cloud. It is also possible for many streamers to develop from many different objects simultaneously, with only one connecting with the leader and forming the main discharge path. Photographs have been taken on which non-connected streamers are clearly visible.[35]
Once a channel of ionized air is established between the cloud and ground this becomes a path of least resistance and allows for a much greater current to propagate from the Earth back up the leader into the cloud. This is the return stroke and it is the most luminous and noticeable part of the lightning discharge
The direction of current during lightning is determined by the flow of electrons from the negatively charged cloud to the positively charged ground. This flow of electrons is known as a downward negative leader.
Yes, the direction of current during lightning can change. This can happen when the initial negative leader is disrupted by a positively charged streamer from the ground, causing a shift in the flow of electrons.
The direction of current during lightning can be determined using various methods such as lightning detection networks, high-speed cameras, and electromagnetic sensors. These tools can measure the electric and magnetic fields associated with the lightning strike and determine its direction.
No, the direction of current during lightning can vary depending on the specific conditions of the thunderstorm. It can also be influenced by the presence of tall structures or different types of ground surfaces.
Understanding the direction of current during lightning is important for safety reasons. By knowing the direction of the electrical charge, we can better predict and prepare for the potential path of the lightning strike, and take necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our surroundings.