when thunder CRACKS...

You know, in thunder and lightning storms usually the thunder sounds distant and bassy, like "BVVVvvrrrrrrrr". But when its really close, thunder snaps, and almost sounds like a tree breaking in half.

I always thought its because thats what thunder ACTUALLY sounds like, i mean, if its right on top of you. But my friend is telling me that it only cracks like that when lightning strikes something. Which one is true?

Which one is true?Witchsight

Both are partly accurate. The sound of thunder is actually a shock wave caused by rapid expansion of the air surrounding lightening (which needless to say, is very hot). The farther from the source of the sound you are, the more opportunity it has to deflect off of buildings, hills, trees, and such before it reaches your ears. That would explain why a distant thunder sounds more like a rumble.

thunder creates sound by super heating the air around it, because the air's temperature rise suddenly to a very high degree it creates a powerful soundWizz46

Congratulations on avoiding the question :|

Thanks Crimzon, thats one on my side!

[QUOTE="Witchsight"]Which one is true?connx802

Both are partly accurate. The sound of thunder is actually a shock wave caused by rapid expansion of the air surrounding lightening (which needless to say, is very hot). The farther from the source of the sound you are, the more opportunity it has to deflect off of buildings, hills, trees, and such before it reaches your ears. That would explain why a distant thunder sounds more like a rumble.

what he said

[QUOTE="Wizz46"]thunder creates sound by super heating the air around it, because the air's temperature rise suddenly to a very high degree it creates a powerful soundWitchsight

Congratulations on avoiding the question :|

Thanks Crimzon, thats one on my side!

well, I didn't really understood the question :lol: durrrrrrrrrr