How does lightning turn into glass when it strikes the sand?

Answer by  jmrdflcarpenter (515)

No this is not how all glass is made. There are 2 ways glass is made: man-made and naturally. Naturally it is made from sand and glass. But the normal, more usual way is to use sand, soda ash, limestone, and sometimes lead oxide is added into the mix.

Answer by  quisqualis (1756)

The lightning turns from electrical energy into heat energy when it strikes sand, which is a poor electrical conductor, and the sand melts. Glass is made by melting a special kind of sand, along with minerals that lower its melting point. That is why glass factories have very high utility bills.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Glass is made when sand if heated to a high temperature. These high temperatures can be re-created when a bolt of lightening hits a beach. However this doesn't create a smooth, clean piece of glass. Glass is produce in factories with pure ingredient in a controlled environment.