Many children are afraid of thunder storms, but if they understand what causes them, they might not be so fearful.
Using Magnets to Understand Lightning
Lightning is caused by electricity. Although we can’t see electricity, we can see its effects. Using bar magnets in an experiment is a great way to understand lightning. Each end of the magnet is marked with either a + or -. The + stands for a positive charge and the - represents the negative charge.
Place the magnets on a table and aim the + side of one magnet with the - side of the other magnet. Now let the magnets go and they will race toward each other. This is because opposite ends of the magnet (opposite charges) attract. Now turn the magnets around so that the positive ends are facing each other. The magnets will repel each other because like charges do not attract.
How Lightning Works
Now, apply this knowledge of how electrical charges work to clouds. Clouds are made of many drops of water. When these drops get big and heavy they fall to the earth as rain. While these drops are still in the cloud they have either a + or - charge. When a group of water droplets with a positive charge come near a group of water droplets with a negative charge, a spark occurs. We see this spark as lightning.
Sometimes an entire cloud (or at least the majority of the cloud) has a positive or negative charge. When two clouds of opposite charges travel near each other you can see lightning flash between the clouds.
Each year millions of lightning flashes travel from the clouds to the ground. Lightning is very powerful and very dangerous. It can cause fires, or travel through the wires of your home and destroy home appliances. During a lightning storm you should always seek shelter indoors. If you are in your car, stay in it. If you are outside during a storm, lie down in the lowest area you can find. Never stand under a tree during a lightning storm.
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