Storm Cloud Collisions

Open to everyone until Friday, October 2

To keep it, print it while it is open.

Inside a tall storm cloud, ice crystals and water droplets swirl in turbulent air. When they bump into each other, electric charge separates and builds up in different parts of the cloud.

In the picture

An ice crystal inside the turbulent cloud
A round water droplet colliding with the ice crystal
A cluster of bright sparks near the lower cloud
A cluster of bright sparks near the upper cloud

Examples

A balloon rubbed on your hair then sticking to a wall.
A crackling spark when you touch a metal door handle after walking on a carpet.

Key takeaways

Colliding ice and water in a storm cloud move electric charge apart.
Different parts of the cloud can build up different charge, which can lead to lightning.