There are several competing theories to explain why differing electrical charges appear in clouds, although scientists suspect that it may be related to the presence of ice crystals in the cloud. Typically, the bottom of a cloud become negatively charged, and it sends out what is known as a “leader” which seeks a positive charge, either in another cloud or on the earth. As the leader approaches an area which is positively charged, a positively charged streamer emerges, meeting the leader, sealing the connection, and generating a bolt of lightning.positive charge

What is electricity? A form of energy Accumulation of charged particles (Van der Graaf ) The flow of charged particles around a circuit -+ There are two basic ways in which particles can flow around a circuit;  Series Series circuits involves the components being wired one after another in a single circuit. The electrons going around the circuit pass through each component in turn and then go back to the power supply  Parallel Parallel circuits involve several loops in the circuit. Each component has its own loop of wire connecting it to the power supply. Electrons go through each component at the same time and then back to power supply.

Advantages and Disadvantages of each type of circuit  Series – Very simple and needs a minimum number of wires. But if a bulb blows, then the electrons cannot get past that point. There is then no circuit, and all of the bulbs stop working. As you add more and more bulbs, every bulb becomes dimmer, giving out less light. Christmas tree lights are wired in series, so when one bulb blows, all the others go out.  Parallel – A lot of wiring is needed. However if a bulb blows then there is still another circuit by which electrons can move so the other bulbs keep working. As you add more and more bulbs the brightness of the bulb is not effected. Car lights are wired in parallel. Even though this is harder to do, it is essential that if one bulb blows the others keep working.