why doesn't lightning strike twice in the same place?

Answer 1

Lightning normaly strikes an area of ground (object on the ground) that is oppositly charged to the built up charges in the clouds above. Thus lightning is formed as a arc of current as the charges flow from the cloud into the ground, thus "netralizing" the surrounding ground. This is why it is extreamly unlikely for lightning to strike twice in the same place. Instead if anything it would rather strike a slight distance away where there is a greater charge difference.

Answer 2

we don't even understand how lightning really works. The only person who could have explained it to you died mid 20th century.

it is hard for electricity, in the clouds and on the ground to "short" at the same place as it did last time. In effect you need to have the same cloud formations, same electrical intensity in the clouds, at exactly the same point. Now, over thousands of years it is hard to conclude if lightning did not in fact hit the same place twice. And it probably die, in those especially under those massive lightning clouds which disperse thousands of bolts within a few hours.....

In reality, electricity has come down enough, to hit the same place twice. If you think about a lightning rod, you can assume in some places, it has been hit more than twice........

Answer 3

That is only a rumor. Lightning strikes tall buildings numerous times a year. There is also a forest ranger,I believe in the state of Washington, who holds the record for being struck the most times by a human. Why do you think lightning rods are installed on tall buildings ?

Answer 4

Lightning frequently strikes where it has struck before. That is why lightning conductors are used and why they work. Some tall buildings are struck many times a year.

Answer 5

It can hit the same spot twice, that is a myth.

Answer 6

Lee Trevino would argue with that. He's been struck a couple of times at least.

Answer 7

It thinks, I've hit that spot before, it's no fun doing it again. So I won't.