The formation of storm it happens by a separation between clouds. The tallest clouds are charged with a positive charge, while the lower ones have charges. negative, which induces a positive charge on the earth's surface, creating a field between them. electric.
Benjamin Franklin, an American physicist and politician, was the first scholar to verify this thesis, because he believed that the rays were just electrical discharges. To prove his theory, he flew a paper kite near storm clouds. An experiment not recommended, as many have died trying to reproduce it.
The electric spark, also known as lightning, appears when the electrons present in the clouds pass from one to another or from the cloud to the Earth, it causes a sound thunderstorm caused by the expansion of the heating of the air generated by the electrical discharge that we popularly know as Thunder.
This entire storm process generates an electrical discharge, as the electrification of the clouds seeks a place where it can drain so much electricity, so its damage can be fatal, depending on where fall down.
Franklin, in addition to proving his theory about lightning strikes, also built the first lightning rod to protect against possible damage.
Lightning rods serve to neutralize the power of the electrical discharge, because it is made of a metal rod with tips in at their ends, these tips are capable of inducing charges that easily escape into the air, which neutralizes the charge on the a cloud.
By Talita A. angels
Graduated in Physics
Brazil School Team
Electricity - Physics - Brazil School