# Explain why lightning occurs and describe what happens to the charges during a lightning strike.

> Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — 11.1 Static electricity (Phys only) · Explain · 4 marks

> Thunderclouds can build up very large amounts of static charge. This can lead to a lightning strike between the cloud and the Earth.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Static charge builds up in the clouds (due to friction / movement of ice particles / charge separation)
2. The charge difference between the clouds and the Earth becomes very large / a large potential difference builds up
3. The discharge occurs when electrons jump through the air from the negatively charged region to the positively charged region (or equivalent transfer described correctly)
4. The lightning strike balances / neutralises the charges (between the cloud and the Earth)

## Key terms

- [lightning](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/lightning)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-lightning-occurs-and-describe-95fa5edb) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.