Why does lightning strike tall objects?

Answer: Shorter path to ground

Shorter path to ground ✓ — Correct! Lightning seeks the shortest path between cloud and ground. Tall objects reduce that distance, making them natural targets. A 'leader' stroke descends from the cloud while 'streamers' rise from tall points—when they connect, zap! Lightning rods work by providing a controlled path to ground. The Empire State Building gets struck about 25 times a year! In storms, stay low and avoid being the tallest thing around.

Tall objects create lightning — Wrong. Tall objects don't create lightning—they provide shorter path for discharge between charged cloud and ground.

Height increases voltage — Wrong. Height doesn't increase voltage—lightning originates in clouds. Tall objects reduce distance to ground, creating preferred discharge path.