Question

select the dependent clause. after a lightning bolt passes through the air, the compression and subsequent rapid expansion of the air molecules produces the booming sound of thunder.

Explanation:

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and usually starts with a subordinating conjunction. In the given text, "After a lightning bolt passes through the air, the compression and subsequent rapid expansion of the air molecules produces the booming sound of thunder", the dependent clause is "After a lightning bolt passes through the air" as it starts with the subordinating conjunction "After" and does not express a complete thought on its own.

Answer:

After a lightning bolt passes through the air