The lightning that we see in the sky during a thunderstorm is an example of which of the following?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Electrostatics
Lightning is an electric discharge. Charge built up in the clouds suddenly flows through the air. This built-up charge is static electricity, and it is studied in electrostatics.
NCERT (2026-27):
Introduction – “… Another common example of electric discharge is the lightning … The reason for these experiences is discharge of electric charges through our body, which were accumulated due to rubbing of insulating surfaces. You might have also heard that this is due to generation of static electricity. … Electrostatics deals with the study of forces, fields and potentials arising from static charges.”