Why does lightning zigzag instead of striking in a straight line?
Quick Answer
Lightning zigzags because it follows a stepped path through air that breaks down unevenly. The electric discharge looks jagged as it seeks the easiest route.
The Full Story
Before the bright flash we see, a faint stepped leader moves downward through the air in a series of short segments. That path is influenced by air density, moisture, electric charge, and turbulence, so it rarely forms a perfect straight line. When the leader connects with a rising stream of charge from the ground, a bright return stroke travels upward and creates the visible lightning bolt. The branching, jagged shape is a visible trace of the discharge path. Lightning is one of nature’s most powerful electrical phenomena and can carry millions of volts.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Why does lightning look like a crooked path?"