Force lightning

Force lightning is the trademark Force attack of the Sith in the fictional Star Wars universe, first portrayed in the series by Emperor Palpatine in Return of the Jedi.

Nature of the power
Force energy, in the form of lightning bolts, exits the Force-user's body through their fingertips. The greater the user's aptitude, the more power the lightning bolts possess and the more they fork, allowing the possibility of striking multiple foes at once. Force lightning is often used as a form of torture; not only does it cause severe physical damage, but also extreme agony to the victim. However, a single powerful blast may be sufficient to kill a person instantly. Expanded Universe sources seem to contradict each other. Some claim Force lightning to be a simple blast of Force power, but with the visual look of bolts of lightning. Others, such as novels taking place after Return of the Jedi, claim it to be electricity. The use of Force lightning is not restricted to Sith. Aayla Secura, Plo Koon, Luke Skywalker, Jacen Solo, Gatlin Ives and Kyle Katarn were known to have used Force lightning or its variants. Yoda was skilled enough that he could absorb the energy and redirect it back towards its caster, although he did not technically use it. It can also be blocked by a lightsaber. It appears to be able to lift up and throw victims that are under its hold, though this might be using it in conjunction with Force lift.

Palpatine

In Star Wars: Episode III, Force Lightning appears to deform Palpatine's face as Mace Windu reflects it back towards him. There is considerable controversy surrounding this; some claim that the lightning was responsible for his disfigurement, while others say that the lightning simply "melted" away the illusion of Palpatine's kindly face to reveal his true features.

Vader's limitation

Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, despite his vast power in the Force, is unable to generate or deflect Force Lightning after his cybernetic transformation in Episode III. Before then, he could conceivably have done so (and did in some instances in the Expanded Universe); however, Force Lightning requires an intact hand to direct and generate. Having lost both of his, any attempt by Vader to generate it would electrocute his life-support system -- which is ultimately what kills him in Episode VI. It is in part because of this deficiency that Darth Sidious, despite having Anakin Skywalker as his ultimate apprentice, finds him less than satisfactory and sets about finding a new apprentice, finally settling on Vader's son, Luke. (In the Star Wars comic book adaptation of Splinter of the Mind's Eye, Darth Vader has no problem using Force lightning, though the Star Wars Insider Magazine suggested it was a weapon installed in Vader's suit and not a force power. However, Splinter or its variants are not considered canonical sources) Likewise, in the video game "Star Wars: Masters of Teräs Käsi", Darth Vader uses Force lightning, though it comes from the air directly above his opponents, not himself. This is another form of force lightning, a more powerful form called Force Storm.

Uses in the Star Wars films
*Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones: Count Dooku unleashes attacks on Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda, wounding Anakin, but having no effect on Obi-Wan or Yoda. While Obi-Wan simply absorbs the lightning with his lightsaber, Yoda reflects it back at Dooku, who then deflects it upward. Yoda absorbs and dissipates the next volley without noticeable difficulty.
*Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith: Palpatine is seen attacking with Force lightning multiple times; unleashing fierce barrages on both Yoda and Mace Windu. Both Jedi Masters are able to block it for a time, but ultimately fail to defeat Palpatine. After Anakin attacks Windu, Palpatine regains his strength and launches a flurry so powerful at Windu it hurls the Jedi out a window to his death far below. Yoda and Palpatine both ultimately get forced apart in their duel, due to the force of Palpatine's attack, and Yoda's ability to block it all.
*Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi: Palpatine unleashes a strong bout of lightning on Luke Skywalker, nearly killing the young man. He is stopped by Darth Vader, who can no longer bear seeing his son in pain. Vader, now reborn as Anakin, flings Palpatine down a reactor shaft, mortally wounding himself in the process.
*No use of Force lightning is seen in Episodes I, IV, or V.

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