What method is used to estimate distance from lightning based on the time between lightning and thunder?

The Flash-to-bang method is used to estimate the distance of lightning based on the time interval between seeing the flash of lightning and hearing the subsequent thunder. The principle behind this method is rooted in the different speeds at which light and sound travel. Light travels nearly instantaneously (at the speed of light), while sound moves much slower (approximately 343 meters per second in air).

By counting the seconds between the flash (the "flash") and the sound of thunder (the "bang"), individuals can estimate how far away the lightning strike occurred. For every five seconds counted, it is roughly equivalent to one mile of distance. This method is particularly useful for safety during stormy weather, helping individuals gauge how close a thunderstorm is and when it might pose a risk.

The other options, while they may involve related concepts, do not accurately describe the specific method used to measure the distance of lightning based on the flash and thunder phenomenon.