No, lighting alone cannot directly turn nitrogen compounds into gas. While lightning is incredibly powerful and can cause chemical reactions, it doesn't possess the energy required to break the strong triple bond in nitrogen molecules (N2).

Here's a breakdown:

* Nitrogen fixation: The process of turning atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into usable forms by living organisms or industrial processes is called nitrogen fixation. It's a complex process that requires significant energy.

* Lightning's role: Lightning does play a small role in nitrogen fixation. The extreme heat and energy it produces can cause some nitrogen molecules to react with oxygen, forming nitrogen oxides (NOx). These oxides are then dissolved in rainwater and eventually become available to plants.

* Limitations: This lightning-induced nitrogen fixation is a minor contributor to the overall nitrogen cycle. It only accounts for about 5-10% of the total nitrogen fixed annually.

In summary, lighting can facilitate some nitrogen fixation, but it's not a primary driver of this process. To effectively turn nitrogen compounds into gas, you need other mechanisms, like denitrification by bacteria or industrial processes.