I need help with the the explanation for the following two questions.
Why is it not a good idea to seek shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm?
How does a lightning rod prevent a lightning stroke?
Thanks
If earth can be seen as a infinite pool of electrons, and the clouds are positive in charge, it would make sense for the current to flow through the shortest route.
So if the tree sticks out, obviously the current will choose to flow through the tree and you'll get a shock if you stand next to it.
Originally posted by 16/f/lonely:If earth can be seen as a infinite pool of electrons, and the clouds are positive in charge, it would make sense for the current to flow through the shortest route.
So if the tree sticks out, obviously the current will choose to flow through the tree and you'll get a shock if you stand next to it.
Yup
For lightning rod/conductor, it is grounded/earthed. So when there's lightning, it will induce opposite charges on the rod (charging by induction), which will attract the moving charges in the lightning.
There might be more info here... no time to look through yet... :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning_rod