During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the<br/>1. Meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky.<br/>2. Lightning that separates the nimbus clouds.<br/>3. Violent upward movement of air and water particles.<br/><br/>Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. Meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky — Thunder is not produced by clouds colliding. It is the sound caused by the rapid expansion of air heated by lightning. Verdict: Incorrect.

2. Lightning that separates the nimbus clouds — Lightning does produce thunder, but not by “separating nimbus clouds.” Thunder comes from the shock wave due to superheated air along the lightning channel. Verdict: Incorrect as stated.

3. Violent upward movement of air and water particles — Strong updrafts help form thunderstorms, but they do not directly produce thunder. Thunder is specifically linked to lightning-induced heating of air. Verdict: Incorrect.

Since none of the statements correctly explains the production of thunder, the correct answer is (d) None of the above produces the thunder.