Shocking, isn't it!

Reference: Feldman, A and Ford, P. (1989) Scientists & Inventors. London: Bloomsbury Books.

p 53

1. Benjamin Franklin is a hugely popular figure in American history. What did he discover about lightning as a result of his investigations with the kite during the electrical storm?

2. Why was he incredibly fortunate during the research? Note: In the months following his discovery, many European scientists were killed attempting to duplicate his findings.

3. Refer to sections of the painting as you describe the path of the lightning's charge between the cloud and the ground.

p 121

4. a) Describe the use of the apparatus in the picture.

b) Think: What physical property of gold would lead to its being chosen over other metals?

Reference: Burke, J. (1978) Connections. Toronto: Little, Brown and Company.

p 34, 35

5. Does the engraving depict the correct current path of the lightning? Look closely at the floor below the rope.

6. The fascination with lightning even influenced fashion. How would these accessories increase one's safety?

p 178.

7. When the wax disc is polished with the cat fur, it becomes positively charged.

a) What charges would form on the two surfaces of the metal disc as it was lowered close to the wax surface?

b) Why is the metal disc's handle of glass?