Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

How does the create your own spark apparatus (model) compare to a real lightning strike during a thunderstorm

This "Tesla style coil" produces a lot less current than lightning. Lightning is DC (Direct Current) with electrons flowing in only one direction where the this apparatus produces AC (Alternating Current) and electrons flow in both directions. If you consider the entire path of the lightning strike, the voltage over that path is much larger than this equipment; however, if you only consider the voltage across the same distances it is comparable.