Which statement correctly describes the ability of lightning to cause injury?

The statement that lightning has a voltage of 100 million to 2 billion volts per bolt, with amperage up to 200,000, accurately describes the immense energy associated with lightning strikes. Lightning is a spectacular natural phenomenon characterized by extremely high voltage levels, which can be several orders of magnitude greater than those found in household electrical systems. The exceptionally high voltage contributes to the potential for severe injuries and damage it can cause, including burns, cardiac arrest, and neurological damage.

Furthermore, the high amperage associated with lightning strikes exacerbates the danger, as it can lead to significant tissue damage as the electrical current passes through the body. The combination of high voltage and high amperage is what makes lightning so lethal, as it exceeds the human body's electrical tolerance and can disrupt normal physiological functions.

In contrast, while household current operates at a relatively low voltage (typically around 120-240 volts in the U.S.), the values associated with lightning are unfathomably higher. Thus, understanding the unique characteristics of lightning in terms of its voltage and amperage is essential for grasping why it can cause serious injuries.