Benjamin Franklin's kite experiment in 1752 was pivotal in demonstrating lightning's electrical properties. Using a kite, key, and Leyden jar, Franklin established the electrical nature of lightning, leading to the invention of the lightning rod and the Franklin bells. His work also influenced the vocabulary of electricity, introducing terms like 'conductor' and 'charge'.
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These European researchers were investigating the properties of electrical charge in the 18th century
Common characteristics between lightning and electricity
Franklin noted that both lightning and electricity emit light, produce sound, and are attracted to metals
Based on his observations, Franklin proposed that lightning was a form of static electricity
Franklin used a silk handkerchief, a frame of cross sticks, a hemp string, a metal key, and a silk ribbon to conduct his experiment
Franklin stayed under cover to avoid the risk of electrocution while conducting the experiment
When Franklin felt a shock from the key and saw the hemp string bristling, he confirmed his hypothesis that lightning was electrical
Franklin's insights from the kite experiment directly led to the invention of the lightning rod, which protects structures from lightning strikes
Franklin also created the Franklin bells, an early warning system for electrical storms, to further improve public safety
Franklin introduced terms such as "conductor," "battery," and "charge," which are still used in the field of electricity today
00
In ______, Benjamin Franklin's experiment involving a ______, a key, and a Leyden jar proved that lightning was a form of ______ electricity.
1752
kite
static
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18th century focus of scientific inquiry
Electricity was a major subject of scientific research in the 18th century.
02
Benjamin Franklin's hypothesis on lightning
Franklin hypothesized that lightning was an electrical phenomenon by 1749.
