Previous Year Question
During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the sky is produced by the
meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky
lightning that separates the nimbus clouds
violent upward movement of air and water particles
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Thunder is produced through the following process:
A lightning discharge rapidly heats the air along its path. The temperature of the air may reach approximately 50,000°F or 28,000°C.
The intensely heated air expands suddenly and then quickly cools and contracts.
This rapid expansion and contraction creates a pressure or sound wave, which is heard as thunder.
Statement-wise examination:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The meeting of cumulonimbus clouds is not the direct cause of thunder.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Lightning does not produce thunder by separating nimbus clouds.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Strong upward movement of air and water particles helps in the formation and development of a thunderstorm, but it does not directly produce the sound of thunder.