Why does thunder last for so long?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter tribdog
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of thunder, specifically why it can last for an extended duration, as experienced during a lightning storm. Participants share their observations of lightning activity and express curiosity about the nature of thunder, including its sound characteristics and potential causes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that thunder can be heard continuously for 10-15 seconds and questions whether this is due to echoes, suggesting that echoes cannot exceed the original sound's volume.
  • Several participants share their experiences of intense lightning activity, with one mentioning over 8,000 strikes in an hour, which adds context to the discussion about thunder.
  • There are expressions of admiration for the lightning storms, with participants describing the visual spectacle and their emotional responses to it.
  • One participant expresses concern about potential damage to their television due to lightning, which introduces a practical aspect related to the storm.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the reasons for the prolonged duration of thunder. Participants share various observations and experiences, but there is no agreement on the underlying mechanisms or explanations.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not delve into the scientific principles behind sound propagation or the specifics of thunder's duration, leaving these aspects unexplored.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in meteorology, sound phenomena, or those who enjoy discussing weather-related experiences may find this thread engaging.

tribdog
Messages
779
Reaction score
17
The monsoon is going nuts tonight. I am getting pounded by lightning strikes. At least one or two a minute, and they are close and loud. It's rattling the windows. I have a question, why does thunder go on for so long? I can hear it continuously for a good 10-15 seconds. I thought maybe it was just because of echos, but then I noticed that is starts quiet then booms then quiets. Echos can't get louder than the original sound can they?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sounds like you need to change your ways. :smile:
 
Sorry it was my fault. I can't go into details, but rest assured I'm making amends to the Big Guy.
 
Okay, I thought there was a lot of lightning the other night. Tonight is the most lightning EVER! It is all cloud to cloud but there are AT LEAST 100 strikes per minute. It looks like a strobe light. It looks like the second coming. It is the most amazing thing I have ever seen. There might be 200 strikes a minute. It looks like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie walking into a paparrazi convention.
 
Beautiful lightning storm here, too. Hey tribdog, are you from Arizona too?
 
I'm jealous. I love lightning.
 
Math Is Hard said:
I'm jealous. I love lightning.

What are you waiting for? If you are an engineer apply at a company in Arizona. It is a great place to be if you don't mind working for the military.
 
Yeah trib where are you? Our monsoon has been rather weak this summer..

Ironic, you keep reporting lightning, FROM A COMPUTER!
 
I'm in Mesa
 
  • #10
I'm in Tucson. You have a big one coming your way, so keep your head down (or up!). There are 60 mph winds in Benson.
 
  • #11
8340 strikes in the past hour. according to weather watch 5. 139 a minute
 
  • #12
tribdog said:
8340 strikes in the past hour. according to weather watch 5. 139 a minute

Must be fun!

I was listening to song about sky crying other day:


"Everytime the rain comes down
Close my eyes and listen
I can hear the lonesome sound
Of the sky as it cries "
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #13
9135 strikes and my tv just died. I don't have cable, but I get the digital channels with my rabbit ears. I sure hope all the digital channels are sent from the same antenna and it just got stuck by lightning because I can't get a signal on any channel. Hope i didn't just fry my brand new hdtv.
 
  • #14
Now I'm getting 5-1 and 5-2. they must be on a different antenna. I've lost 3-1,8-1,8-2,8-3,8-4,10-1,12-1,12-2,15-1,15-2, 45-1,45-2,51-1,51-2,51-3,51-4,61-1.
I know it's nothing compared to satellite or cable, but this free digital you get with rabbit ears are pretty cool.
 
  • #15
Get off the damn computer you goon, lol.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
8K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
16K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
8K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K