Question

The basic sequence within a lightning flash includes all but which of the following?

A. Static electricity builds up within the lower thundercloud and induces identical-polarity charges on the ground.
B. Discharge begins within the cloud and initiates a dimly visible, negatively charged stream of electrons propagating downward.
C. The conductive stream moves earthward in 50-meter jumps as a stepped leader; as the stepped leader nears the ground, the electric field at the surface increases greatly, shooting streamers of positive sparks upward and connecting with the stepped leader about 50 meters above ground.
D. The connection initiates the return stroke, sending positive charges up to the cloud with a brilliant flash; more lightning strokes occur as charges flow between the cloud and the earth.
E. All of the choices are correct.

Answer 1

The false statement in the sequence of a lightning flash is that static electricity within the lower thundercloud induces identical-polarity charges on the ground. Instead, the thundercloud and the ground have opposite charges. For cloud-to-cloud lightning, the struck area must have a positive charge.

Step-by-step explanation:

The basic sequence within a lightning flash includes many steps but does not imply that the static electricity builds up within the lower thundercloud and induces identical-polarity charges on the ground. Instead, opposite charges accumulate on the cloud and the ground. So, when considering the options provided, the false statement would be: A. Static electricity builds up within the lower thundercloud and induces identical-polarity charges on the ground.

For a cloud-to-cloud lightning strike, if the area of the cloud that was struck had a positive charge, it would attract the negatively charged electrons from another part of the cloud. If it had a negative charge or was neutral, the interaction wouldn't occur in the same manner since like charges repel and neutral charge wouldn't initiate a discharge.