Lightning

There were major breakthroughs in a row in the area of natural sciences such as astronomy, mechanics,optics, and thermal physics in Western Europe during the mid-seventeenth century. However, there was still insufficient understanding on thunder and lightning up until 250 years ago.

In 1746, after Benjamin Franklin saw Dr Spence demonstrate the electric  magic in Boston, he began numerous studies in the area of electric field and became an expert on the matter in a short period of time. He then began researching on lightning, the Fire of God ehich everyone feared

There was a day in 1752, where thunder rumbled and lightning flashed over Philadelphia, a sign of a storm approaching.Franklin and his son hastily walked toward tje suburbs. They intentionally wanted to fly a kite up in the sky amidst the bad weather. The kite was tied with an iron key attached and it soared into the summer storm. Franklin was nervous as he knew the danger of this experiment but he was willing to take the risk for the truth of science. He asked his son to stand far away from him and added, If unfortunate incident were to take place, please write a report on this experiment, for the good of science.

Franklin saw that the fiber of the kit’s rope waved slowly after the flash of lightning, and he then connected a Leyden jar, which was a devise used to collect electricity with the iron key. Charge up! Franklin yelled happily. This proved that lightning was not a mystery, but rather something similar with electricity. Franklin quickly wrote the experiment report. Their hearts were filled with joy. Later, Franklin  invented a lightning rod, a metal rod with a pointed up that attacted lightning and directed it down to the ground, in order to protect high-rise buidings.

Franklin’s great contribution had successfully overturned the old idea, D’alembert, the famous French scientist was quoted saying: He conquered lighting.

Food for Thought :

Franklin’s scientific spirit overturned conventional consepts and ideas. He spirit of perseverance in research should be adopted to understand the law of nature.

Short Stories on Discoveries, Inventions, Innovation & Creativity

AAET and UTAR, 2015

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