What is faster, a bullet or lightning?

The Staggering Speed of Lightning vs. a Bullet: A Race Against Time

In the realm of velocity, few phenomena can outpace the blistering speed of lightning. Compared to the seemingly rapid trajectory of a bullet, lightning’s speed is truly astonishing.

Lightning’s Electrifying Velocity

Lightning, a powerful discharge of electricity, travels through the atmosphere at an incredible speed of approximately 270,000 miles per hour (435,000 kilometers per hour). This extraordinary velocity is a consequence of the extreme potential difference that drives the electrical current within the cloud-to-ground path.

Bullet’s Respectable Pace

In comparison, a bullet fired from a modern firearm travels at a much slower speed of around 2,500 miles per hour (4,000 kilometers per hour). While this may seem impressive, it is dwarfed by the sheer speed of lightning.

Lightning’s Sonic Boom

The astonishing speed of lightning creates a shockwave in the surrounding air. Known as thunder, this sonic boom occurs when the lightning channel rapidly heats and expands the air, causing a pressure wave that travels outward from the discharge.

Conclusion

The comparison between lightning and a bullet’s speed is a compelling demonstration of the staggering forces at play in nature. Lightning’s electrifying velocity, some 30,000 times faster than a bullet, underscores its immense power as a force of nature that commands respect and awe.