Who is credited with the invention of lightning rods?

The invention of lightning rods is credited to Benjamin Franklin, who is known for his significant contributions to the study of electricity and its properties. Franklin's experiments with electricity in the 18th century led him to conclude that lightning was a form of electricity. In 1752, he famously conducted his kite experiment, which demonstrated the electrical nature of lightning. Following this, he developed the lightning rod as a device to protect buildings from lightning strikes. The lightning rod functions by providing a path for the electrical charge to follow, redirecting it safely into the ground and thereby preventing damage to structures.

Franklin's innovation has had a lasting impact on safety in the face of natural disasters. His understanding that lightning could be attracted to a pointed conductor, which then channels the energy away from a building, has formed the foundation for modern lightning protection systems. Therefore, the recognition of Franklin as the inventor of the lightning rod stems from his pioneering work in electricity and his practical solutions to the dangers posed by lightning.