Question

How can high rise buildings be protected from lightning?

Answer 1

1. High-rise buildings can be protected from lightning by providing lightning conductors at its highest point.
2. A lightning conductor consists of long, thick metal rod/strip having sharp spikes at its upper end. The spikes pointing towards the sky are fixed at the highest point of the building.
3. The lower end of the metal rod/strip is connected to a large copper (or aluminum) plate which is buried deep inside the Earth. This is called earthing.
4. When a highly charged cloud passes over a tall building, it induces an opposite charge on the spikes.
5. This charge quickly flows to the Earth through the copper rod/strip.
6. Thus, the lightning discharge is prevented and the building is saved from damage.