Question

State whether the given statement is true or false:
Lightning conductors cannot protect a building from lightning.
(A) TRUE
(B) FALSE

Answer 1

Hint: Lightning is drawn towards pointy things rather than to round or blunt things, and that’s why lightning rods are made with sharp points. Lightning rods are connected to copper wire which is grounded; therefore, it provides an easier path for
lightning to pass through it rather than passing through building. Hence, lightning conductors can protect buildings.

Complete step by step answer:
The answer to the question is false.
Indeed, lightning conductors can protect a building from lightning.The lightning conductor is a thick metal rod or wire that is fixed onto the tallest point of a building and connected to a long copper earth pole that is dug deep into the ground at the side of the building.It protects the buildings from lightning strikes by providing an easier path (lower resistance) for the current to flow to earth rather passing through the building. Sometimes on a direct lightning strike, the current in the conductor may be so large that it can melt or vaporize the metal, but the damage to the building will be reduced.

Note:The concept of the lightning rod was first given by Ben Franklin. Franklin proposed that lightning rods should consist of a pointed metal pole that extends upward above the building that is needed to be protected. . Lightning is drawn towards pointy things rather than to round or blunt things, and that’s why lightning rods are made with sharp points.