Question

Which scenario below describes the life cycle of an ordinary thunderstorm?

a. A thermal rises to form a cloud. Rain starts to fall into the updraft. This rain eventually cuts off the updraft and causes the storm to die.
b. The downdraft strengthens as the thermal rises. This downdraft eventually drags all the rain out of the cloud, causing it to dissipate.
c. Rain begins to fall from the cloud. A thermal rises to strengthen the cloud. Eventually the thermal stops rising and the storm dissipates.
d. Rain begins to fall from the cloud. A thermal rises so fast that it prevents the rain from falling. This eventually causes the cloud to dissipate.

Answer 1

The life cycle of an ordinary thunderstorm is described by a thermal rising to form a cloud, rain starting to fall and cutting off the updraft, leading to the storm dissipating.

Step-by-step explanation:

The life cycle of an ordinary thunderstorm can be described by the scenario where a thermal rises and forms a cloud, rain then starts to fall into the updraft, and this rain eventually cuts off the updraft causing the storm to dissipate. This process involves convection and a phase change. When water evaporates from the oceans, it removes heat from the ocean. The vapor then rises, condenses into liquid droplets to form clouds, and releases heat into the atmosphere.

This condensation forms thunderheads, which are cumulus clouds that may rise up to 20.0 km into the stratosphere. The process of water vapor carried by convection condensing and releasing energy is what expands and elevates the air. As it rises to colder altitudes, more condensation occurs, and this positive feedback drives the cloud higher, possibly leading to violent storms with lightning and hail.