How do lightning rods prevent lightning strikes from reaching people?

Climate change has intensified the frequency and deadliness of lightning strikes globally. In India, lightning strikes killed 2,887 people in 2022.

Sakshi Gupta Last updated on November 11th, 2024 07:30 pm Leave a comment

About Lightning Rods

A lightning rod is an electrical conductor installed on building tops to divert lightning strikes.
Lightning prefers the path of least resistance, and the rod’s pointed shape creates a stronger electric field, ionising the air and offering a route for the current to flow.
The lightning rod is connected to a wire leading to the ground, where the electric charges dissipate.
This process uses the earth as an infinite source of lower electric potential.

What is Lightning?

Lightning is a powerful electrical discharge that occurs when opposite charges build up in the atmosphere and break down the air’s insulating capacity.
Lightning strikes occur when electrical charges build up in a cloud beyond the air’s resistance.

About the Author

Sakshi Gupta

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Greetings! Sakshi Gupta is a content writer to empower students aiming for UPSC, PSC, and other competitive exams. Her objective is to provide clear, concise, and informative content that caters to your exam preparation needs. She has over five years of work experience in Ed-tech sector. She strive to make her content not only informative but also engaging, keeping you motivated throughout your journey!