Lightning is due to 

The correct answer is The flow of charges between different parts of the cloud.

Key Points

• Lightning is primarily caused by the flow of electric charges between different parts of a cloud or between a cloud and the ground.
• During a thunderstorm, the lower part of the cloud becomes negatively charged, while the upper part becomes positively charged.
• The movement of these charges creates a strong electric field that can ionize the air and lead to a discharge of electricity, known as lightning.
• This discharge can happen within a cloud, between clouds, or between a cloud and the ground, resulting in a visible flash of light.

Additional Information

• Electric Field
  • An electric field is created when there is a separation of charges within a cloud.
  • This electric field is strong enough to ionize the air and create a conductive path for the lightning discharge.
• Cloud-to-Ground Lightning
  • This type of lightning occurs when the negative charge at the base of the cloud is attracted to the positive charge on the ground.
  • The result is a lightning bolt that travels from the cloud to the ground.
• Intra-cloud Lightning
  • This type of lightning occurs within a single cloud or between multiple clouds.
  • It is the most common type of lightning and is caused by the transfer of charges within the cloud.
• Thunder
  • Thunder is the sound caused by the rapid expansion of air surrounding the path of a lightning bolt.
  • It occurs because the intense heat from the lightning causes the air to expand quickly, creating a shockwave.