Question

what causes lightning?
○ solar radiation
○ static discharges
○ electric current
○ magnetic fields

Explanation:

Lightning is caused by static discharges. When there is a buildup of static electricity in clouds (due to processes like separation of charges from water droplets and ice particles), the electric field becomes strong enough to ionize the air, leading to a rapid discharge of electricity which we see as lightning. Solar radiation is related to energy from the sun, electric current is the flow of charge (lightning is a discharge, not a sustained current in the same sense), and magnetic fields are not the primary cause of lightning.

Answer:

C. Static discharges (assuming the option order is: A. Solar radiation, B. Static discharges, C. Electric current, D. Magnetic fields - correcting the option numbering for clarity, the correct option is the one labeled with Static discharges)