What is the primary purpose of a lightning rod? a. to attract lightning and guide it to the ground b. to remove or discharge the object to which it is attached c. to concentrate the charges at the top of the structure to which it is attached d. to induce charges on the structure to which it is attached opposite that of the clouds above so as to repel lightning
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is a. to attract lightning and guide it to the ground.
A lightning rod serves the primary function of protecting structures from lightning strikes by providing a safe pathway for the electrical charge to travel. It is a metal rod or conductor installed at the highest point of a building or structure, typically connected to the ground through a wire.
When a thunderstorm occurs, clouds in the atmosphere build up a negative charge at the bottom, and the ground below becomes positively charged. This creates a potential difference, which can lead to a lightning strike. The lightning rod works by acting as a conduit for this electrical energy. The rod attracts the lightning because it is the highest point in the vicinity, offering the shortest path for the discharge. Once the lightning strikes the rod, the electrical charge travels down the rod and safely flows into the ground, where it is dissipated.
The key to the function of a lightning rod is its ability to direct the flow of electrical charge from the lightning strike to the ground without causing damage to the structure. The rod itself does not necessarily “attract” lightning, but it ensures that if lightning does strike, it does so in a controlled way that minimizes the risk of fire, electrical surges, or structural damage.
In terms of other options, a lightning rod does not aim to discharge an object, concentrate charges, or repel lightning by inducing opposite charges. Rather, it provides a safe route for the lightning to follow, thus reducing the likelihood of the structure being damaged by a direct lightning strike.