gs1medium
During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the
- A.Rapid expansion of air heated by lightning
- B.Rapid expansion of air heated by lightning and the rapid contraction of air cooled by the lightning
- C.Rapid expansion of air heated by lightning and the rapid contraction of air cooled by the lightning and the sound produced by the collapse of the electrical discharge
- D.None of the above produces the thunder
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D. None of the above produces the thunder
Thunder is the sound wave produced by the rapid expansion and contraction of air surrounding a lightning channel. The intense heat from lightning causes the air to expand explosively, creating a shock wave. As the channel cools rapidly, the air contracts, generating further sound waves. These waves propagate through the atmosphere, which we perceive as thunder.
Source: UPSC gs1 2013