Lightning

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Lightning is created when updrafts in the cloud creates static electricity through friction between air molecules. The base or the bottom of the cloud is negatively charged and the top of the cloud is positively charged. The opposite charges attract and create a lightning stroke when the step leader's connect within the cloud. The same principal works when lightning strikes the ground. The negatively charged base of the cloud sends out leader strokes and the negative charged particles follow the channel down to the positively charged ground. The flow of negatively charged particles is complete and the return stroke connecting the two oppositely charged areas and  completes the lightning stroke. Lightning comes from both the cloud base and the Earth itself.