Why are the tyres of aircrafts made of conducting rubber? 1. So that the charge accumulated on the aircraft in flight, by rubbing the air, can easily be transferred to ground on landing. 2. So that the charge accumulated due to the operation of various electronic equipments in the aircraft in flight can easily be transferred to ground on landing. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The correct answer is Option 1.

During flight, an aircraft accumulates a significant amount of static electricity on its metallic frame. This occurs primarily due to triboelectric charging, where the friction between the aircraft's surface and air molecules (as well as dust or ice particles) causes a buildup of static charge.

If this charge is not discharged safely upon landing, it poses severe risks, such as sparking during refueling or causing electric shocks to ground personnel. By using conducting rubber (rubber impregnated with carbon black) for tyres, the aircraft creates a low-resistance path to the earth the moment it touches the runway. This allows the accumulated static charge to flow instantly to the ground.

Statement 2 is incorrect because electronic equipment is usually shielded and grounded to the aircraft's internal chassis to prevent internal interference; it is not the primary source of the massive external static buildup addressed by conducting tyres.