2006-06-29 20:54:33 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Well, this story is probably apocryphal. But the MythBusters did a program on this and determined that even wet twine is a pretty poor conductor. Add to that the probability that the kite was tied to a stake in the ground and the actual shock potential would be pretty minimal.
According to the story, Franklin did touch a key with his knuckle and noticed a spark, so he might have done his experimenting before the kite was actually struck, but after it had time to accumulate a fair static charge.
Anyway, good question, there. And remember what they always warn you on TV "Don't try this at home, Kids!"
2006-06-30 00:20:27 · answer #1 · answered by Grendle 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It was a well spun yarn, I don't mean the string. I mean the whole story and it got more impressive. Ben was extremely intelligent. Smart enough to know better. He knew metals felt colder to the touch than fabric. Even they were the same degree
temperature, metal feels colder (like ultasound gel) to the skin because it's conductive. Being nieve about lightning, he knew that key was conductive. He knew the dangers of lightning. Don't believe all you hear.
2006-06-30 03:06:03 · answer #2 · answered by gifted 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He held on to the string which does not conduct electricity like the metal key he attach to the kite. His shoes was made of rubber that didn't conduct electricity and he was plain lucky God was on his side.
2006-06-29 21:02:46 · answer #3 · answered by nannygoat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a myth. it never happened. if he was flying the kite in an electrical storm and it was raining, he would have died. (because if it was raining the string would be wet, therefore having the ability to carry an electrical current.)
you are thinking, but not enough! j/k lol.
2006-06-29 21:00:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The kite wire was grounded
Good question though, shows you're thinking
2006-06-29 20:57:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He wasn't holding onto the kite, it was anchored to the ground.
2006-06-29 20:57:55 · answer #6 · answered by Roadpizza 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he didnt he got shocked but lived.it is possible.
2006-06-29 20:58:08 · answer #7 · answered by MizzQ-T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
by wearing gloves?
2006-06-30 04:00:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shear dumb luck.
2006-06-29 20:59:38 · answer #9 · answered by Epidavros 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cause there was no lightning
2006-06-29 20:59:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋