Lightning is super fast, it goes at the speed of light. But thunder is slower because it’s just sound waves traveling through air. That’s why you see lightning first and hear thunder a little later. It’s like when someone flashes a light and then claps, you see the flash instantly, but the clap takes time to reach your ears.
Examples
- It’s like seeing your friend wave at you from across the street but only hearing them shout a few moments later.
- If you’re near a lightning strike, the flash and boom happen almost at the same time, it’s like being in the middle of an explosion.
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See also
- What Causes ‘Thunder’ and Why Does It Happen After Lightning?
- What Causes ‘Thunder’ and How Is It Different From Lightning?
- What Causes ‘Thunder’ After a Flash of Light?
- What Causes the ‘Sound’ of Thunder and Why Does It Echo?
- What Causes ‘Thunder’ and How Is It Related to Lightning?
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