asked 109k views
19 votes
A tree can splinter during a storm because . . .

asked
User Gcanti
by
8.1k points

1 Answer

4 votes
When lightning hits a tree, the electrical current moves down the branches and trunk and heats the water within the tree into steam. This steam causes the affected areas to explode and often the tree will instantly splinter.
answered
User Bambus
by
7.9k points