Thunder vs. Lightning: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Thunder is the sound caused by lightning; Lightning is a flash of light in the sky during a storm.
Key Differences
Thunder is an auditory phenomenon resulting from the rapid expansion of air along the path of a lightning bolt. Lightning, on the other hand, is a visual display of electric discharge in the atmosphere, producing a bright flash.
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Nov 24, 2023
While thunder is produced by the shock wave from the heated air, it can only be heard, not seen. Lightning is essentially an electric current that can be seen as a bright streak in the sky.
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Nov 24, 2023
The distance of thunder can be estimated by counting the time delay from seeing lightning. Lightning illuminates the sky and is often followed by the rumbling sound of thunder.
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Nov 24, 2023
Thunder can vary in sound from a sharp crack to a distant rumble. Lightning strikes can be cloud-to-cloud, cloud-to-ground, or within a single cloud, and are the cause of thunder.
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Nov 24, 2023
Thunder is not possible without lightning since it is a direct consequence of the latter. Lightning, producing temperatures hotter than the sun, rapidly expands the air, creating thunder.
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Nov 24, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Cause
Expansion of air due to heating by lightning
Electrical discharge in the atmosphere
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Nov 24, 2023
Speed of Occurrence
Travels slower than light, heard after lightning flash
Travels at the speed of light, seen before thunder
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Distance Estimation
Estimated by time gap between lightning and thunder
Visible immediately during a storm
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Nov 24, 2023
Effect
Sound ranging from cracks to rumbles
Produces bright flashes in the sky
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Nov 24, 2023
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Thunder and Lightning Definitions
Thunder
A loud rumbling or crashing noise heard after a lightning flash.
The thunder echoed through the valley after a vivid flash of lightning.
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Nov 20, 2023
Lightning
A bright flash of electricity in the sky, often during a storm.
We watched the lightning dance across the horizon from our porch.
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Nov 20, 2023
Thunder
A symbol of power or anger in literary and cultural references.
The CEO's voice was like thunder, demanding immediate action.
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Nov 20, 2023
Lightning
The occurrence of a natural electric discharge of very short duration.
Lightning struck the tree, splitting it in two.
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Nov 20, 2023
Thunder
A loud, explosive sound similar to the noise of a heavy object falling.
The sudden thunder from the collapsing building was terrifying.
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Nov 20, 2023
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Lightning
A high-voltage natural phenomenon, often accompanied by thunder.
The campers retreated to their tents at the first sign of lightning.
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Nov 20, 2023
Thunder
The crashing or booming sound produced by rapidly expanding air along the path of the electrical discharge of lightning.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lightning
A sudden electrostatic discharge during a thunderstorm.
The lightning illuminated the entire sky, revealing the dark clouds.
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Nov 20, 2023
Lightning
A symbol of speed and sudden illumination in various contexts.
Her decision was as quick as lightning, leaving no room for doubt.
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Nov 20, 2023
Lightning
An abrupt, discontinuous natural electric discharge in the atmosphere.
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
To move while making a loud noise
The express train thundered past us.
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
The loud rumbling, cracking, or crashing sound caused by expansion of rapidly heated air around a lightning bolt.
Thunder is preceded by lightning.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lightning
A flash of light produced by short-duration, high-voltage discharge of electricity within a cloud, between clouds, or between a cloud and the earth.
Although we did not see the lightning, we did hear the thunder.
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
A deep, rumbling noise resembling thunder.
Off in the distance, he heard the thunder of hoofbeats, signalling a stampede.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lightning
A discharge of this kind.
The lightning was hot enough to melt the sand.
That tree was hit by lightning.
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
(figuratively) The spotlight.
Shortly after I announced my pregnancy, he stole my thunder with his news of landing his dream job.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lightning
Extremely fast or sudden; moving (as if) at the speed of lightning.
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
(impersonal) To produce thunder; to sound, rattle, or roar, as a discharge of atmospheric electricity.
It thundered continuously.
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
(intransitive) To make a noise like thunder.
The train thundered along the tracks.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lightning
A discharge of atmospheric electricity, accompanied by a vivid flash of light, commonly from one cloud to another, sometimes from a cloud to the earth. The sound produced by the electricity in passing rapidly through the atmosphere constitutes thunder.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lightning
The act of making bright, or the state of being made bright; enlightenment; brightening, as of the mental powers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
To say (something) with a loud, threatening voice.
"Get back to work at once!", he thundered.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lightning
Abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
The sound which follows a flash of lightning; the report of a discharge of atmospheric electricity.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lightning
The flash of light that accompanies an electric discharge in the atmosphere (or something resembling such a flash); can scintillate for a second or more
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
The discharge of electricity; a thunderbolt.
The revenging gods'Gainst parricides did all their thunders bend.
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
An alarming or statrling threat or denunciation.
The thunders of the Vatican could no longer strike into the heart of princes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
To produce thunder; to sound, rattle, or roar, as a discharge of atmospheric electricity; - often used impersonally; as, it thundered continuously.
Canst thou thunder with a voice like him?
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
Fig.: To make a loud noise; esp. a heavy sound, of some continuance.
His dreadful voice no moreWould thunder in my ears.
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
To emit with noise and terror; to utter vehemently; to publish, as a threat or denunciation.
Oracles severeWere daily thundered in our general's ear.
An archdeacon, as being a prelate, may thunder out an ecclesiastical censure.
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
A booming or crashing noise caused by air expanding along the path of a bolt of lightning
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
Be the case that thunder is being heard;
Whenever it thunders, my dog crawls under the bed
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
To make or produce a loud noise;
The river thundered below
The engine roared as the driver pushed the car to full throttle
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Oct 19, 2023
Thunder
The sound made by the rapid expansion of air along the path of a lightning strike.
As the storm approached, the thunder became more frequent and intense.
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Nov 20, 2023
Thunder
A resonant, deep, and sometimes startling sound associated with storms.
The children covered their ears as the thunder roared overhead.
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Nov 20, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What causes thunder?
Thunder is caused by the rapid expansion and contraction of air heated by a lightning bolt.
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Nov 24, 2023
What are the types of lightning?
There are several types, including cloud-to-ground, cloud-to-cloud, and intra-cloud lightning.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can thunder occur without lightning?
No, thunder is always a result of lightning.
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Nov 24, 2023
How far away is lightning when you hear thunder?
You can estimate the distance by counting the seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder. Every five seconds equals approximately one mile.
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Nov 24, 2023
What does thunder sound like?
Thunder can sound like a loud crack, a deep rumble, or a rolling noise, depending on the distance and atmospheric conditions.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can lightning strike the same place twice?
Yes, lightning can strike the same place more than once, especially tall, isolated objects.
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What is sheet lightning?
Sheet lightning is a type of intra-cloud lightning that appears as a diffused glow in the clouds.
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Nov 24, 2023
What is heat lightning?
Heat lightning is the term used for the visible flashes of distant lightning with no accompanying thunder sound.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is lightning dangerous?
Yes, lightning is extremely dangerous and can cause fires, injuries, and fatalities.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is lightning hotter than the sun?
Yes, lightning can reach temperatures five times hotter than the sun's surface.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is it safe to use electronic devices during a thunderstorm?
It's advised to avoid using wired electronic devices during a thunderstorm due to the risk of electrical surges from lightning strikes.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can you see lightning and not hear thunder?
Yes, if lightning is far enough away, you might see it but not hear the thunder.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can animals sense thunder and lightning?
Many animals seem to have an ability to sense an approaching storm, often becoming restless or agitated.
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What is ball lightning?
Ball lightning is a rare form of lightning that appears as a moving, glowing sphere and lasts several seconds.
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Nov 24, 2023
How common are lightning strikes?
Lightning strikes are common during thunderstorms and can occur anywhere in the world.
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What should you do if you're caught outside during lightning?
Seek shelter immediately, avoid open fields, tall trees, and water. If no shelter is available, crouch down with minimal contact to the ground.
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Nov 24, 2023
Why do we see lightning before we hear thunder?
Light travels faster than sound, so the flash of lightning is seen before the sound of thunder reaches us.
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Nov 24, 2023
How long can a lightning bolt be?
Lightning bolts can be several miles long.
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Nov 24, 2023
Why does thunder seem to last longer than lightning?
Thunder reverberates, or echoes, making the sound last longer than the lightning flash.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is it safe to be in a car during lightning?
Generally, cars can offer some protection due to their metal bodies acting as a Faraday cage.
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Nov 24, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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