Q. Why is a flash of lightning generally followed by a gust of wind?
A. The flash rent the air asunder through which it darted; and when the two parts collapse, a rapid motion is produced, which we call wind: the vibration of the thunder contributes also to agitate the air.
Q. What is meant by the “vibration of the thunder?”
A. The quivering motion it gives to the air, by its loud sound.
Q. Why is there no thunder to what is called summer lightning?
A. Because the lightning-clouds are so far off, that the sound of the thunder is lost, before it reaches the earth.
Q. Do thunder-bolts ever drop from the clouds?
A. No; the notion of thunder-bolts falling from the clouds, arises from the globular form, that is sometimes assumed by a flash of lightning.
Q. Why is the thunder often several moments after the flash?[1]