thunder

Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. Depending upon the distance from and nature of the lightning, it can range from a long, low rumble to a sudden, loud crack. The sudden increase in temperature and hence pressure caused by the lightning produces rapid expansion of the air in the path of a lightning bolt. In turn, this expansion of air creates a sonic shock wave, often referred to as a "thunderclap" or "peal of thunder". The scientific study of thunder is known as brontology and the irrational fear (phobia) of thunder is called brontophobia.

AI overview

Thunder is the sound produced when lightning strikes, caused by the rapid expansion of air that results from the extreme heat of the lightning bolt. The sound can vary from a low rumble to a loud crack depending on how far away the lightning is and its characteristics.

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Contents

Etymology
Cause
Consequences
Types
Perception
See also
References
External links

== Etymology== The d in Modern English thunder (from earlier Old English ) is epenthetic, and is now found as well in Modern Dutch (cf. Middle Dutch donre; also Old Norse , Old Frisian þuner, Old High German , all ultimately descended from Proto-Germanic ). In Latin the term was "to thunder". The name of the Nordic god Thor comes from the Old Norse word for thunder.