2) The electric field between the ground and the Earth, when it gets strong enough, can ionize air molecules -- meaning that it pulls some of the electrons off the otherwise neutral air molecules, leaving them with a net positive charge. These free charges will then start to move up or down because of the electric field! This flow of charges is called a current. (The heating up of molecules in the atmosphere in this process is what causes the flash from a lightning strike.) (a) What direction will the electrons sheared off of the air molecules move? What about the positively charged ("ionized") molecules?

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
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2) The electric field between the ground and the Earth, when it gets strong enough, can ionize air molecules -- meaning that it pulls some of the electrons off the otherwise neutral air molecules, leaving them with a net positive charge. These free charges will then start to move up or down because of the electric field! This flow of charges is called a current. (The heating up of molecules in the atmosphere in this process is what causes the flash from a lightning strike.)

(a) What direction will the electrons sheared off of the air molecules move? What about the positively charged ("ionized") molecules?

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