What is thunder?
El trueno is the sound produced by the rapid expansion of hot air near lightning. When lightning penetrates the Earth's atmosphere, it releases energy in the form of heat, light and sound.
¿Qué es un rayo?
Un rayo It is a massive and visible electrical discharge that occurs between two clouds, between a cloud and the ground, or between two parts of the same cloud. During a thunderstorm, lightning is a way to balance the electrical charge built up in the atmosphere.
Differences between thunder and lightning
- Thunder is the sound produced by the expansion of air near lightning, while lightning is the visible electrical discharge.
- Thunder is heard after seeing lightning because light travels faster than sound.
- Lightning can be dangerous due to its electrical charge, while thunder is simply a sound.
What to do during a thunderstorm?
- Stay in a safe place, such as a building with a metal roof or a car with a hard top.
- Stay away from any tall objects, such as trees, utility poles, or communication towers.
- Avoid open places or sports fields.
Conclusion
In short, although sometimes used interchangeably, thunder and lightning are two different phenomena. While lightning is a visible electrical discharge, thunder is simply the sound produced by the expansion of air near lightning. During a thunderstorm, it is important to take precautionary measures to ensure personal safety.
I am Sebastián Vidal, a computer engineer passionate about technology and DIY. Furthermore, I am the creator of tecnobits.com, where I share tutorials to make technology more accessible and understandable for everyone.