1. Money
About.com
Inventors

Discuss in my forum

The Inventions and Scientific Achievements of Benjamin Franklin

By , About.com Guide

3 of 7

Benjamin Franklin - Lightening Rod
Benjamin Franklin Experiments With Kite

Benjamin Franklin Experiments With Kite

In 1752, Benjamin Franklin conducted his famous kite flying experiments and proved that lightning is electricity. During the 1700s lightning was a major cause of fires. Many buildings caught on fire when struck by lightning and kept burning because they were built mainly of wood.

Benjamin Franklin wanted his experiment to be practical, so he developed the lightning rod. A tall rod is attached to the outside wall of the house. One end of the rod points up into the sky; the other end is connected to a cable, which stretches down the side of the house to the ground. The end of the cable is then buried at least ten feet underground. The rod attracts the lightning and sends the charge into the ground, which helps to decrease the amount of fires.

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.