Lightning is possibly caused by friction between intense winds and ice crystals as well as ____.
A) charged aerosols in the atmosphere
B) cosmic rays bombarding the tops of cloud and producing ions
C) photon charging from incoming solar radiation
D) electron transfer to an excited state within water molecules

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cosmic rays bombarding the tops of clouds can produce ions, which can trigger lightning. While friction between winds and ice crystals can contribute to lightning, it is not the only cause. Choice A is incorrect because although charged aerosols can contribute to the build-up of charge in a cloud, they are not a direct cause of lightning. Choice C is also incorrect as solar radiation does not directly cause lightning. Choice D is incorrect as while electron transfer is involved in lightning, it does not occur within water molecules.

Lightning Is Possibly Caused by Friction Between Intense Winds and Ice