The current that results from a lightning strike is classified as what type?

The current that results from a lightning strike is classified as direct current (DC) because it flows in a single direction. During a lightning strike, there is a sudden discharge of electricity that travels from the cloud to the ground. This rapid movement of charge primarily occurs in one direction, which is characteristic of direct current.

In contrast, alternating current (AC) periodically reverses direction, which isn't representative of the instantaneous surge of electricity that occurs during a lightning strike. Pulsating current involves variations in intensity but does not accurately describe the nature of the current in a lightning strike, which is a singular event. Static electricity, on the other hand, pertains to the buildup of charge that can discharge suddenly but does not classify as a current in the same sense as lightning. Hence, the classification of lightning strike current as DC is accurate given its one-directional flow characteristics.