After a lightning bolt, what happens to the plasma?

In summary, a lightning bolt turns air molecules into plasma, producing the "light" that we see. The plasma eventually cools down and the charged particles recombine, potentially creating ozone. This recombination process can result in the neutralization of previously charged molecules.
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mk9898
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When a lightning bolt strikes the earth, the air molecules are turned into plasma which causes the "light" that we see. What happens to the plasma air molecules after a lightning bolt? Do the positive/negative charged molecules find free electrons in the air and resume to be neutrally charged? Are electrons just wandering around in the air for the molecules to absorb electrons very fast? How long do air molecules stay in the plasma phase?
 
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mk9898 said:
Do the positive/negative charged molecules find free electrons in the air and resume to be neutrally charged?
A plasma is made of particles of different charges, just not bound to each other. The plasma just cools down and the charged particles recombine (not necessarily in the same way they were before, hence the production of ozone by lightning).
 
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FAQ: After a lightning bolt, what happens to the plasma?

1. What is plasma and how is it formed after a lightning bolt?

Plasma is a state of matter that is formed when a gas is heated to very high temperatures, causing its atoms to become ionized. In the case of a lightning bolt, the intense heat and electrical energy from the lightning cause the air molecules to become ionized, creating plasma.

2. How long does the plasma created by a lightning bolt last?

The duration of the plasma created by a lightning bolt is very short, typically only lasting for a fraction of a second. This is because the intense heat and energy dissipates quickly, causing the air molecules to return to their normal state.

3. Is the plasma created by a lightning bolt dangerous?

The plasma itself is not dangerous as it dissipates quickly. However, a lightning bolt can still be dangerous as it carries a high voltage electrical current that can cause harm to living beings and damage to structures.

4. What colors can be seen in the plasma after a lightning bolt?

The color of the plasma is determined by the gases that are present in the air. Oxygen and nitrogen, which are the main components of air, produce a blue-white plasma. However, other gases such as neon, argon, and krypton can produce different colors such as red, purple, and green.

5. Can plasma from a lightning bolt be harnessed for energy?

While the intense energy and heat from a lightning bolt might seem useful, it is currently not feasible to harness it for energy. The duration of the plasma is too short and the energy is too unpredictable to be harnessed effectively. However, research is being done to try and harness the energy from lightning in a safer and more controlled manner.

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