Are you looking for the difference between thunder and lightning? Look the article below to get your answer.
Thunder and lightning are two natural phenomena that are interrelated events which generate electricity. The main difference between thunder and lightning is that lightning is electromagnetic energy and thunder is sonic energy.
Read the below information in which thunder and lightning are described in detail individually.
Thunder
Thunder occurs when there is a rapid upward movement of warm and moist air. As it moves upward, it loses heat and cools then compresses and forms cumulonimbus clouds, where air currents form water droplets and ice particles which collide each other and build up static energy which causes a thunderstorm.
Thunder is the loud rumbling sound seems to sweep across the sky that accompanies lightning. A thunderstorm is of two kinds- air-mass thunderstorms and frontal thunderstorms.
Thunder is produced from Lightning. Thunder might be scary but do not have the potential to harm or cause any damage.
Lightning
Lightning is the large electrical discharge caused by a thundercloud. Lightning occurs when two electrically charged clouds come in contact with one another. If lightning hits the ground then it is known as a strike and when the lightning is isolated among the clouds it is known as a flash.
Lightning is the sudden flash of electricity in the sky which can either be straight or forked. Lightning is very hot, up to 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightning can travel up to 140,000 miles per hour.
Lightning strikes tall objects first because it takes the fastest way to the ground. Lightning discharge consists of pulses of electric current carried by electrons.
Have a look at the difference between Thunder and Lightning for better understanding.
Speed
Both occur at the same time during a thunderstorm but light travel faster than sound so, lightning is seen first before one can hear the sound of thunder.
Energy
Thunder is the sound or sonic energy while lightning is electrical energy.
Risk
Thunder cannot harm anyone but lightning is known to be lethal and cause a house fire.
Produced by
Thunder is produced from lightning while lightning is caused by electrically charged clouds.