What causes the unpredictable path of lightning?

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The unpredictable path of lightning is influenced by the need for the electrical current to follow a path of ionized air, which does not travel in straight lines. Instead, lightning branches out, resembling the arcs seen in a plasma ball. This branching occurs due to air disturbances that affect the current's trajectory. Understanding the mathematics behind these paths can provide insights into the behavior of lightning. The phenomenon is complex and reflects the chaotic nature of atmospheric conditions.
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What's the math behind what you see in the picture..

Thanks for reading/replies
 

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The current that causes lightning has to follow a path of ionized air. This doesn't happen in straight lines, or just in one spot, but branches out. Ever seen a plasma ball? The kind you can put your hand on and watch the plasma arc to your fingers. It a similar effect: air disturbances.
 
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