Which statement best describes what occurs to create a lightning strike? Negative charges in the cloud attract negative charges in the ground. Ice particles bump into each other Excess electrons settle at the bottom of a storm cloud and polarize the ground Positive streamers leave the clouds and connect to loose electrons in the air

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify the correct statement that describes the process of a lightning strike. <br /><br />## Step 2<br />Let's analyze each option:<br /><br />1. Negative charges in the cloud attract negative charges in the ground: This statement is incorrect. Negative charges in the cloud would repel, not attract, other negative charges.<br /><br />2. Ice particles bump into each other: This statement is also incorrect. While ice particles in the cloud do bump into each other, this action does not directly cause a lightning strike.<br /><br />3. Excess electrons settle at the bottom of a storm cloud and polarize the ground: This statement is correct. In a storm cloud, there is an excess of electrons at the bottom, which creates a negative charge. This negative charge polarizes the ground, creating a positive charge on the ground. The attraction between these opposite charges creates a lightning strike.<br /><br />4. Positive streamers leave the clouds and connect to loose electrons in the air: This statement is incorrect. Positive streamers do not leave the clouds; instead, they are attracted to the negative charges in the cloud.