

Thunder Facts For Kids

Enjoy our fun thunder facts for kids. Learn the difference between thunder and lightning, how thunder is created, what philosophers used to think created thunder and much more. Read on to find a range of facts, trivia and other interesting information about thunder.

Thunder is the sound caused by lightning.

The intense heat from lightning causes the surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a sonic wave that you hear as thunder.

The average temperature of lightning is around 20000 °C (36000 °F).

The sound of thunder can be anything from a loud crack to a low rumble.

Light travels faster than sound so we see lightning before we hear thunder.

The closer you are, the shorter the gap between the lightning and thunder.

The speed of sound is around 767 miles per hour (1,230 kilometres per hour).

The speed of light is around 669600000 miles per hour (1080000000 kilometres per hour).

Thunder is difficult to hear at distances over 12 miles (20 kilometres).

Thousands of years ago philosophers such as Aristotle believed that thunder was caused by the collision of clouds.

Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning.

The Oklahoma basketball team that play in the National Basketball Association (NBA)are called the Thunder. More Weather Facts! Cloud Facts Flood Facts Hurricane Facts Lightning Facts Rain Facts Rainbow Facts Snow Facts Temperature Facts The Water Cycle Thunder Facts Tornado Facts Wind Facts