Question

Why should a ground wire be connected to the metal support rod for a television antenna?

Answer 1

When a lightning strikes the earth, it generally targets objects which are nearer to reach (protrude out of earth's surface).Trees, poles, antennae are such objects; particularly antennae are made up of conducting material which provides an easy path for lightning to pass through and reach the ground. Earth, on the other hand, is considered to have a tremendous potential to absorb excess charge. Hence, if such an event occurs, the earthing /ground wire disposes off the excess charge from the antenna to the ground safely, without damaging the associated components like TV.