Why does a wooden mast have an air terminal on top and two down conductors running its entire length?

The presence of an air terminal on top of a wooden mast, along with two down conductors running its entire length, serves a critical role in lightning protection. Wooden masts, being non-conductive, require this setup because they do not provide a natural path for electrical currents, such as those generated by lightning strikes. The air terminal acts as a point that attracts the lightning and directs the electrical charge safely down the down conductors to the ground. This design ensures that any potential lightning strike does not cause damage to the mast or nearby structures and provides a reliable route for the electrical energy to dissipate safely into the ground.

In contrast, the other options do not address the fundamental purpose of the air terminal and down conductors as effectively. While metal could enhance conductivity, the wooden mast is not conductive in itself, making the presence of a lightning protection system imperative. Preventing lightning from striking the ground is an incorrect interpretation, as the goal is to manage the strike safely. Maintenance considerations, while important in general, do not justify the necessity of the lightning protection system in this specific context. Thus, understanding the essential nature of the wooden mast's non-conductive properties emphasizes the importance of having an air terminal and down conductors to ensure safety