Do you know what makes lightning (闪电)?
Lightning strikes happen when ice and water in clouds rub (摩擦) together, and cause atmospheric (大气层的) changes. When this happens, it creates a static charge (静电). Lightning can strike inside the cloud, between two clouds or between a cloud and the earth.
Lightning can be very dangerous. Every year, lightning kills people because it can start big fires or because it reaches a temperature of 28,000℃. About 1,000 people are hit by lightning every year in the United States, and about 100 of them die as a result.
Scientists think that there are more than three million lightning strikes every day in the world. An American man, Roy Sullivan, who worked in a park, survived from the most lightning strikes. And he keeps the highest world record.
Lightning is sure not something to play with. When lightning strikes, it's best to stay inside a large building. Also, do not lie down on the ground, or the electricity may go through you and cause a heart problem.
| A. It's the last kind of strike that is the most dangerous for humans. B. Lightning makes people shocked, and it happens all over the world! C. Between 1942 and 1977, he was hit seven times! D. Why does lightning strike (击打)? E. To stay safe, do not stand under trees, on hills or near water. |
