How Lightning

Works
Lightning transfers electrons from the atmosphere to Earth.

Electrons build up in clouds because wind causes them to rub

together (Charging by friction).

The negative charges in the clouds push the negative charges in the ground away
leaving positive charges on the surface (Charging by induction).

Once enough negative charge builds up in a cloud, it repels so strongly (second Law of
Electric Charges) that it jumps through the air (an insulator) and strikes the positively
charged ground or the nearest object (first Law of Electric Charges).

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 Lightning Rods
This figure shows how a lightning
rod can protect a house from a
lightning strike.

A metal rod is attached to the

highest part of the building. A
conductor is connected from the
metal rod to a metal plate in the
ground.

If lightning strikes the rod, the

conductor carries the negative
charges safely into the ground.