During the construction of a building the lightning conductor
was left hanging in the air by mistake. Would the lightning
conductor be still effective? Explain.
No, a lightning conductor left hanging in the air would not be effective. A lightning conductor needs to be properly grounded to the earth to effectively protect a building from lightning strikes. Its purpose is to provide a low-resistance path for the electrical discharge to flow safely into the ground, preventing it from damaging the building.
Explanation:
Function of a Lightning Conductor:
A lightning conductor is designed to attract lightning strikes and provide a safe path for the electrical current to travel to the ground. It does this by creating a low-resistance path compared to other parts of the building.
Earthing is Crucial:
The grounding connection is essential for the conductor to work. Without it, the electrical current would have no way to safely dissipate into the earth and could cause damage to the building or even a fire.
Conductor in the Air:
If the lightning conductor is left hanging in the air, it won’t be able to draw the electrical current away from the building. The lightning would likely strike the highest point of the building, causing a fire or damage.
How it Works:
When lightning strikes, the current travels through the conductor and down to the ground. The conductor’s low resistance allows the current to flow easily, preventing it from damaging the building.
Alternative Path:
If the lightning conductor is not properly grounded, the lightning will seek an alternative path to the ground, which could be through the building’s structure, electrical wiring, or other conductive materials, potentially causing significant damage.