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A lightning rod is a very sharply pointed metal rodmounted high on a building or other structure that could be damaged if lightning struck it, with the point of the rod pointing directly up. The lightning rod is connected by a wire to a grounding rod driven deeply into the earth, to provide a discharge path for the lightning rod.
When a thunderstorm passes over, the electrical strain in the air causes a corona discharge from the sharp point of the lightning rod grounding the air above the building. In many cases this cone of grounded air above the building slowly discharges the electrical strain and prevents an actual lightning strike.
Should a lightning strike happen anyway it will follow the cone of grounded air (as it is the highest conductor) toward the lightning rod, then down the wire to the grounding rod where it disperses safely in the earth. Should this actually happen the system must be inspected for damage, especially the wire as it may partially melt (in which case it must be replaced for continued protection)!
Vivien Cassin
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoMetal rods with grounding wires attached to the top of tall buildings to conduct static electric buildup 'harmlessly' to the ground. The big selling point is protection from lightening. They are supposed to conduct the lightening strike harmlessly to ground. They were first proposed by Ben Franklin.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoA Lightning rod is usually a metal object like an Arrow, (as in bow & arrow) fixed to the highest part of a building or structure, connected to a wire or cable. That is then run down to the ground & there connected to another rod that has been sunk into the ground 3 or 4 feet deep. This then insures that if lightning strikes the object protected, it will be attracted to the arrow & travel, through the wire directly to ground, thereby protecting the object.
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoA lightning rod is a very sharply pointed metal rodmounted high on a building or other structure that could be damaged if lightning struck it, with the point of the rod pointing directly up. The lightning rod is connected by a wire to a grounding rod driven deeply into the earth, to provide a discharge path for the lightning rod.
When a thunderstorm passes over, the electrical strain in the air causes a corona discharge from the sharp point of the lightning rod grounding the air above the building. In many cases this cone of grounded air above the building slowly discharges the electrical strain and prevents an actual lightning strike.
Should a lightning strike happen anyway it will follow the cone of grounded air (as it is the highest conductor) toward the lightning rod, then down the wire to the grounding rod where it disperses safely in the earth. Should this actually happen the system must be inspected for damage, especially the wire as it may partially melt (in which case it must be replaced for continued protection)!
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoLightning (metal) rods protrude above the highest point of tall buildings, church tower or steeples, etc. There is a heavy metal cable or strap connecting the rod to the ground. Should a flash of lightening strike the building, the rod will attract the strike and the electrical charge will be sent to earth and safely dispersed in the ground. This prevents the actual building being damaged by a lightening strike.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoiron
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Do wooden lightning rods work?
no.
Are lightning rods necessary?
yes
What is a rod made of?
There are a variety of rods, such as curtain rods, lightning rods, stirring rods, etc. They are generally made from metal or wood, but stirring rods can be made of glass or plastic.
Are lightning rod or plastic better metal lightning rods?
For a lightning conductor, we need an electrical conductor, so the iron would be superior.
Has the lightning rod improved?
Yes, the lightning rod has significantly improved since its inception. Modern lightning rods are made of conductive materials and designed to safely direct lightning strikes away from buildings and structures, reducing the risk of fire or damage. Advances in technology have allowed for the development of more effective lightning protection systems that can minimize the impact of lightning strikes.
Do wooden lightning rods work?
no.
Are lightning rods necessary?
yes
Who invented lightning rods on buildings?
Benjamin Frankiln. To protect buildings from lightning
What is a rod made of?
There are a variety of rods, such as curtain rods, lightning rods, stirring rods, etc. They are generally made from metal or wood, but stirring rods can be made of glass or plastic.
Where are lightning rods placed?
On top of the house or building.
Do lightning rods repel or attract lightning?
Lightning rods are used to direct the force of the strike safely as possible and in a direct line as possible to ground. This direct path usually saves surrounding structures from damage.
The principle according to which lightning rods work?
Lightning rods attract electrical energy because they are placed high up above a building. If lightning strikes, the rod will absorb the electric energy saving the house from being struck.
What did ben Franklin establish?
a company to make lightning rods
Lightning rods work based upon the fact that?
lightning will strike the highest point above ground
How does a lightning rod help guide the electric current?
lightning rods help you because of the metal in the rod
What was built on the roof of the Seattle Space Needle to prevent lightning damage?
It has 25 lightning rods on the roof.
Are lightning rod or plastic better metal lightning rods?
For a lightning conductor, we need an electrical conductor, so the iron would be superior.
