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Lightning is a naturally occurring electrostatic discharge that occurs during thunderstorms. This discharge happens when electrical charges in the atmosphere become unbalanced. The buildup of charge can occur within a cloud, between clouds, or between a cloud and the ground. When the electrical potential difference becomes large enough, it overcomes the insulating capacity of the air, leading to a rapid flow of electrical current. This flow of current heats the air channel to extremely high temperatures, causing it to expand explosively and produce the audible sound known as thunder.

The visual phenomenon of lightning is a bright flash of light. This flash is caused by the intense heat of the electrical discharge exciting the atoms and molecules in the air. Lightning can take various forms, including cloud-to-ground lightning, cloud-to-cloud lightning, and intra-cloud lightning. Cloud-to-ground lightning is the most commonly depicted and feared type, as it can strike people, buildings, and other structures. The electrical current in a lightning bolt can be tens of thousands of amperes and can reach temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun.

The study of lightning is known as fulminology. While lightning is a powerful and potentially dangerous force of nature, it also plays a role in Earth's atmosphere. For example, lightning contributes to the production of nitrogen oxides, which are important for atmospheric chemistry. It is also a source of ozone. Understanding the physics and behavior of lightning is crucial for forecasting severe weather and mitigating its risks.