The frozen portion of the cluster of rising moisture becomes negatively charged and the outer droplets acquire a positive charge. The frozen particles tend to cluster more tightly together and form the central regions of the cluster of droplets. These cooler temperatures cause the cluster of water droplets to undergo freezing. Rising moisture encounters cooler temperatures at higher altitudes. The second mechanism that contributes to the polarization of a storm cloud involves a freezing process. In the collisions, electrons are ripped off the rising droplets, causing a separation of negative electrons from a positively charged water droplet or a cluster of droplets. This upwardly rising moisture collides with water droplets within the clouds. Additional water from the ground evaporates, rises upward and forms clusters of droplets as it approaches a cloud. Clouds are known to contain countless millions of suspended water droplets and ice particles moving and whirling about in turbulent fashion. One mechanism involves a separation of charge by a process that bears resemblance to frictional charging. Two mechanisms seem important to the polarization process. The tops of the storm clouds are known to acquire an excess of positive charge and the bottoms of the storm clouds acquire an excess of negative charge. The precursor of any lightning strike is the polarization of positive and negative charges within a storm cloud. Nonetheless there are several theories that make a good deal of sense and that demonstrate many concepts previously discussed in this unit of The Physics Classroom. The details of how a cloud becomes statically charged are not completely understood (as of this writing). Even today, it is the subject of a good deal of scientific research and theorizing. The scientific community has long pondered the cause of lightning strikes. How do lightning rods serve to protect buildings from the devastating effects of a lightning strike?.What is the cause and mechanism associated with lightning strikes?.In this part of Lesson 4, we will ponder two questions: Indeed, a lightning storm is the most powerful display of electrostatics in nature. Children and adults alike crowd around windows to watch the lightning displays in the sky, standing in awe of the power of static discharges. They're the frequent cause of canceled ball games and golf outings. The fury of a lightning strike is capable of interrupting midday conversations and activities. They send children rushing into parent's bedrooms, crying for assurance that everything will be safe. The rage of a lightning strike will wake a person in the middle of the night. They are never invited, never planned and never gone unnoticed. Lightning storms are inescapable from humankind's attention. Perhaps the most known and powerful display of electrostatics in nature is a lightning storm.
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