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    Question

    Lightning conductors are used to protect buildings from

    lightning strikes. Which of the following statements regarding lightning conductors are correct? 1. A lightning conductor creates an electric field at its tip to attract the lightning discharge toward itself. 2. Lightning conductors reduce the effect of the discharge current on the building by safely transferring the electric charge into the ground. 3. The conductivity of the earth is considerably lower than that of the building. 4. Lightning conductors are installed at elevated positions on buildings. Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
    A 1 and 2 Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Only 4 Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C 1, 3, and 4 Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Only 4 Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    • Lightning conductors (usually made of copper) are installed at the topmost parts of buildings to create an electric field that attracts lightning discharges towards themselves rather than allowing the discharge to strike the building directly. Thus, statement 1 is correct. • These conductors safely carry the electric discharge deep into the earth, preventing damage to the structure. Thus, statement 2 is correct. • However, the conductivity of the earth is higher, not lower, than that of a building material, so statement 3 is incorrect. • Lightning conductors are installed at the highest point on buildings to offer a path of least resistance for the discharge, thus statement 4 is correct. Thus, the correct answer is (c) 1, 3, and 4.

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