Editing Benjamin Franklin (section)

== The Kite Experiment ==

The popular image of Franklin flying a kite in a thunderstorm is somewhat simplified, though the experiment did occur. In June 1752, Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment to prove that lightning was electrical in nature. Rather than waiting for lightning to strike the kite directly (which would have been fatal), Franklin flew the kite during a storm and observed that the hemp string conducted ambient electrical charge to a key tied near his hand, causing sparks.

The experiment—conducted before Franklin heard that French scientists had already proven his theory using a different method—confirmed that lightning was indeed electricity and led directly to his invention of the lightning rod. The experiment brought Franklin international fame and the Royal Society's Copley Medal.<ref name="britannica"/>