2007-03-03 21:02:59 · 7 answers · asked by jaw 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Because lightning always 'chooses' the path of least resistance to the ground.
2007-03-03 21:05:59 · answer #1 · answered by ferociousnibbler 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pointed at the top- so that the electric current would be able to easier find it
High places- for the lightening that doesn't always reach the ground. There is a better chance of the lightening getting it if it's closer to the sky
Part in the ground- So that it is grounded. That way the lightning won't take it away or turn it into some deadly weapon, also if the person that "planted" the lightning rod is doing it so to make glass, the lightning needs to get in contact with the sand in order for that chemical reaction to take place.
2007-03-04 05:14:09 · answer #2 · answered by Confused & Young 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lightning rods are pointed at the tip because pointed tips have more charge density per unit area. They attract lightening rays easier. Their other end is buried underground so that earthing can be provided and thus lightening can be bypassed underground safely.
2007-03-04 06:24:26 · answer #3 · answered by TG 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pointy bits frighten the lightning away. Actually it has something to do with concentration of charge ionising air, the underground is a connection to dissipate any current, and they are up high so that they are the preferred conductor. No use burying them.
2007-03-04 06:07:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
lightning rods are placed at the top because they can absorb the current from the lightning and send it straight to the ground.and thats the reason why part of it is buried underground
2007-03-04 05:09:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our ground has positive charges and sky has negative charges. The negatively-charged particles (neutrons) will "jump" to area which has many posittively-charged particles (protons) to neutralise the force. Therefore, rods are pointed to the top of high buildings so that when neutrons "jump" down, it will be attracted by the posittively-charged rod and thus no one will be electricuted. Part of the rod is buried underground to send the charges down to Earth so that neutralisation can take place.
2007-03-04 05:17:04 · answer #6 · answered by dchosen1_007 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lightning rod works on the principle of a "good conducting path of electricity to ground". Thus the higher up its tip the better chance of a bolt from a cloud striking it and then conducting the electric current to earth(ground)
2007-03-04 05:10:03 · answer #7 · answered by physicist 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋