Beams of electromagnetic radiation from the point of origin - the channel of lightning, are moving at the speed of light, the expansion of the air column happens speed comparable to the speed of sound, that is around million times slower. The channel of the lightning radiates energy of all wavelengths to its surroundings, also supplies heat to ambient air, consequently kinetic energy, many millions joules, per one meter of the electrical discharge.
Mihimili ya mionzi sumakuumeme kutoka hatua ya asili - channel wa umeme, ni kusonga kwa kasi ya mwanga, upanuzi wa safu ya hewa hutokea kasi kulinganishwa na kasi ya sauti, kwamba ni karibu mara milioni polepole. channel wa umeme kusambaa nishati ya wavelengths wote kwa mazingira yake, pia vifaa joto iliyoko hewa, hivyo kinetic nishati, mamilioni joules, kwa kila mita moja ya kutokwa umeme.