I WONDER - What Did Ancient Civilizations Think Thunder Was?

Aristotle, a Greek philosopher, proposed a theory on thunder and lightning. He believed thunder was caused by air released from clouds colliding with other clouds, and lightning was the result of this air catching fire. Today, we understand that lightning is actually electricity, not fire, but Aristotle's theory was influential for many years.

What did Aristotle believe was responsible for the sound of thunder?

• The clash of hot and cold air masses

• Clouds releasing air that collides with other clouds

• The movement of tectonic plates

• The sound of rain hitting the ground

Which ancient philosopher proposed a theory about thunder and lightning?

• Aristotle

• Pythagoras

• Socrates

• Plato

According to Aristotle, what caused lightning?

• Electricity in the atmosphere

• Reflections of sunlight

• Air released from clouds catching fire

• Friction between clouds

How does modern science explain the phenomenon of lightning?

• As a form of electricity

• As a type of fire

• As a result of air pressure changes

• As a chemical reaction in the atmosphere

What was the main flaw in Aristotle's theory about lightning?

• He thought it was fire, not electricity

• He believed it was a form of electricity

• He believed it was caused by the sun

• He thought it was caused by water