Which observation in Franklin's experiments linked electricity to storms?

Which observation in Franklin's experiments linked electricity to storms?

• A. A key would accumulate static electricity during a thunderstorm
• B. Lightning is a separate phenomenon not related to electricity
• C. A bottle of water harnessed electric power during a storm
• D. A magnet would attract lightning

Answer: (A)

Electricity in the atmosphere becomes visible when a storm builds up charge and finds a path to discharge. Franklin’s observation with a kite shows this directly: during a thunderstorm, charges in the storm clouds can travel down through a conductive string to a metal object like a key, producing a visible spark. That moment reveals that lightning is an electrical discharge and that the storm’s electricity can be conducted to the ground. The other ideas don’t fit what was observed—magnets don’t attract lightning, a water bottle isn’t how Franklin demonstrated storm electricity, and claiming that lightning isn’t related to electricity contradicts the observed discharge from the key.

Electricity in the atmosphere becomes visible when a storm builds up charge and finds a path to discharge. Franklin’s observation with a kite shows this directly: during a thunderstorm, charges in the storm clouds can travel down through a conductive string to a metal object like a key, producing a visible spark. That moment reveals that lightning is an electrical discharge and that the storm’s electricity can be conducted to the ground. The other ideas don’t fit what was observed—magnets don’t attract lightning, a water bottle isn’t how Franklin demonstrated storm electricity, and claiming that lightning isn’t related to electricity contradicts the observed discharge from the key.