Key Takeaways
- Thunderbolt refers to electricity discharge during a thunderstorm, while lightning is the visible manifestation of this electrical discharge.
- Thunderbolts are characterized by a bright flash of light and a loud rumbling sound known as thunder, caused by the rapid expansion of the air surrounding the lightning bolt.
- Thunderbolts are powerful electrical discharges between the atmosphere and the ground or between different cloud parts. At the same time, lightning refers specifically to the rapid flow of electrons through the atmosphere.
What is Thunderbolt?
Thunderbolt is a powerful, sudden event, action, or revelation that can significantly impact. In this context, “thunderbolt” is used to describe a sudden and profound realization or epiphany that can completely change one’s perspective on a particular issue or situation.
For example, a sudden and life-changing realization might be a “thunderbolt moment.” “Thunderbolt” is used metaphorically to describe something sudden, powerful, and transformative.
What is Lightning?
Lightning is a natural electrical phenomenon that occurs during thunderstorms. It is an atmospheric electrical discharge within a cloud, between clouds, or between the cloud and the ground.
Lightning is caused by the buildup of static electricity within a thundercloud. As the charge within the cloud increases, it can create an electric field that can ionize the air and create a path for electricity to flow. When this happens, a lightning bolt is created, which can travel up to 220,000 miles per hour and reach temperatures of up to 30,000 degrees Celsius (54,000 degrees Fahrenheit).
Lightning can be dangerous and can cause damage to structures, start fires, and injure or kill people and animals. It is important to seek shelter indoors or in a car during a thunderstorm and avoid using electrical appliances or plumbing during a lightning storm.
Difference Between Thunderbolt and Lightning
- Thunderbolt is associated with a sudden realization, epiphany, or breakthrough, whereas lightning is a natural electrical phenomenon during thunderstorms.
- Thunderbolt is a psychological or emotional experience, while lightning is a physical phenomenon that involves the buildup and discharge of static electricity in the atmosphere.
- Thunderbolts can profoundly impact a person’s thoughts, emotions, and actions, while lightning can cause physical damage to structures, start fires, and even be fatal to living beings.
- Thunderbolt is used to symbolize sudden and transformative change or inspiration, while lightning is used as a symbol of power, strength, and danger.
- Thunderbolt is a momentary experience that can have lasting effects, while lightning is a brief but intense discharge of electricity that can last only a fraction of a second.
Comparison Between Thunderbolt and Lightning
| Parameters of Comparison | Thunderbolt | Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Sudden event | Natural electrical phenomenon in the atmosphere |
| Nature | Sudden event | Natural electrical phenomena in the atmosphere |
| Impact | Profound impact on thoughts, emotions, and actions | Physical damage to structures, fires, and fatalities |
| Symbolism | Symbol of sudden and transformative change or inspiration | Symbol of power, strength, and danger |
| Duration | Momentary experience with lasting effects | Brief but intense discharge lasting a fraction of a second |
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=yZSpDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT9&dq=difference+between+thunderbolt+and+lightning&ots=DLPc71zYXp&sig=_jH3AYKly3oQTZ7WW0-ltmYqbJ4
- https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/etst-2016-0011/html?lang=de
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
