A lightning bolt is a powerful electrical discharge that occurs during a thunderstorm. It is caused by the buildup of electrical charges in clouds, which can reach millions of volts. When the difference in charge becomes too great, a sudden release of energy occurs, creating a bright flash of light and a loud sound known as thunder. Lightning bolts can strike the ground, trees, or buildings, and they can be extremely dangerous. They can cause fires, injuries, and even fatalities. The study of lightning is part of meteorology, which focuses on weather patterns and phenomena like thunderstorms and cloud formation.