Question

State whether the given statement is True or False:
Lightning conductor always develops the opposite charges as is the charge in the clouds
A) True
B) False

Answer 1

Hint: Lightning conductors are used to protect the buildings from the lightning. As a protective measure, the lightning rod will divert the lightning from the clouds to earth. Therefore we have to check how the lightning rod works.

Complete step by step answer:
The lightning dissipation theory can explain well about the lightning rod. So let’s learn more about it. The lightning rod is used to protect the buildings from the lightning. The conducting ability of the lightning rod is very much enhanced by their shape. We know that the electric field strength is greater around a pointed object. And this intense electric field will ionize the surrounding of the pointed object. Thus the ability to conduct will be increased.
The lightning theory explains that when a storm cloud which is charged comes near to the rod, there will be a pathway from the cloud and the lightning rod. Thus it will protect the building from explosion due to heavy charge. The lightning rod will extend to the ground through a low resistance wire. Thus the charges are discharged to ground. For the conductance to happen the lightning rod and the clouds would have opposite charges.
The statement, the lightning conductor will always develop the opposite charges as if the charge in the clouds is true.
The answer is option A.

Note: We have to remember the basics of the static charges that like charges will repel. And the opposite charges will attract each other and each charge has a potential created by it in it’s electric field.