Thunder is what you hear after a flash of lightning. When lightning hits, it heats the air so quickly that the air expands and makes a big boom. The more powerful the lightning, the louder the thunder. It sounds loud because sound waves travel through the air and reach your ears like a strong wave.
Examples
- Thunder sounds louder when you're outside during a storm.
- You hear thunder after seeing lightning because light travels faster than sound.
- A nearby lightning strike makes thunder seem like it's right on top of you.
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See also
- What Causes the ‘Sound’ of a Thunderclap and Why Is It So Loud?
- What Causes the ‘Sound’ of a Thunderclap and How Is It Different from Lightning?
- What Causes ‘Thunder’ and How Far Can It Be Heard?
- What Causes the ‘Hum’ of a Refrigerator?
- What Causes the ‘Pop’ of a Balloon?
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