No, lightning would not occur if air and clouds were good conductors of electricity. In this scenario, any electrical charge that builds up within a cloud would immediately flow through the conductive air and ground, preventing the buildup of the large electric potential difference necessary for lightning to strike.
Explanation:
Charge Separation and Accumulation:
Lightning is caused by the separation of positive and negative charges within storm clouds, leading to a build-up of static electricity. This charge separation is facilitated by the air’s insulating properties, which prevent the immediate flow of charge.
Effect of Conductivity:
If air and clouds were good conductors, the separated charges would flow freely through them rather than accumulating. This would prevent the buildup of the large electric potential difference necessary for lightning to occur.
No Discharge:
Without a large potential difference, the electrical discharge that we see as lightning would not occur. The charges would simply flow away and dissipate, preventing the sudden and intense energy release characteristic of lightning.