Would lightning occur if air and clouds were good conductors of electricity? Give reasons for your answer.
No, lightning would not occur if air and clouds were good conductors of electricity.
Lightning occurs because air normally acts as an electrical insulator, preventing opposite charges from meeting. When charge buildup becomes very large, the insulating property of air breaks down, causing a sudden flow of charges that produces lightning.
If air were a good conductor, charges would flow continuously and gradually rather than accumulating and discharging suddenly, so no lightning flash would occur.
Explanation
The chapter explains that 'Normally, air acts as an electrical insulator and does not let opposite charges meet. But when the build up of charges becomes very large, the insulating property of air breaks down. A sudden flow of charges takes place, producing a bright flash of light called lightning.' If air were a conductor, charges would not accumulate to create the sudden discharge that produces lightning.
Solution Steps
Lightning would not occur if air and clouds were good conductors of electricity
Air normally acts as an electrical insulator, preventing opposite charges from meeting
When charge buildup becomes very large, the insulating property of air breaks down, causing sudden discharge that produces lightning
If air were a good conductor, charges would flow continuously and gradually instead of accumulating
Without sudden discharge of accumulated charges, no lightning flash would occur