Lightning Rod

[Magicatt]

How does lightning rods really work?? I know that it protects the building. But they do that by providing a conducting path of electrons OR neutralizing the air above it. The internet mentioned about both points. But don't u think that if the latte happened, the former won't occur?

Which is the main reason?? Why??

[Enthalpy]

Conducting path.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning_rod