Explain why gravity works. ***NOT HOW***, but WHY.
Better put the fire out before you wake up.
The sharp point on the end of the conducting rod enhances the electric field in the air around it when the air becomes charged. This causes the air there to be more likely to break down electrically. That, and the fact that it is higher up, greatly increases the chances that a lighting strike in the vicinity will pass through the rod and, therefore, safely to ground. Being a good conductor with a high melting point means that the rod itself is unlikely to be damaged.
