Final answer:
The statement is true; despite wood being an insulator, the high voltage of lightning allows it to travel through a tree to reach the Earth, also aided by the tree's sap and water content.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or false: Although wood is an insulator, lightning can travel through a tree to reach Earth. This statement is true. Wood is generally considered an insulator because it doesn't conduct electricity well under normal circumstances. However, lightning is an extreme force with millions of volts, which can break down the resistance of insulating materials like wood.
Consequently, when lightning strikes a tree, it can travel through it despite the wood's insulating properties because of the immense energy involved. The water and sap within the tree also help to conduct the electrical current down to the Earth, making trees a potential pathway for lightning strikes.
The fire triangle consists of three elements: fuel, oxygen, and heat. Fuel represents any material that can burn, such as wood or gasoline, while oxygen is necessary to sustain combustion.
Heat is the energy needed to initiate and maintain a fire. Damaged electronic devices, oxygen, and linens are irrelevant to the fire triangle as they do not represent the necessary elements. Therefore, the statement is false.