Why is a tree positively charged underneath a negatively charged thundercloud?

Answer 1

The fact that the cloud base is negatively charged allows for the tree to have a net positive charge. If the cloud base was positively charged, then the tree would have a net negative charge.

My very simplified answer, to be honest.

Answer 2

The polarization of a thundercloud may thus be due to the rates at which large and small raindrops fall. However formed, the negative charge at the base of the cloud induces a positive charge on the earth beneath it, which acts as the second plate of a huge capacitor. When the electrical potential between two clouds or between a cloud and the earth reaches a sufficiently high value (about 10,000 V per cm or about 25,000 V per in), the air becomes ionized along a narrow path and a lightning flash results. Many meteorologists believe that this is how a negative charge is carried to the ground and the total negative charge of the surface of the earth is maintained.

Answer 3

When a negatively charged thundercloud moves overhead, it induces a positive charge on the ground beneath it due to the electrostatic forces between the cloud and the ground. This positive charge in the tree underneath the cloud is attracted to the negative charge in the cloud above, resulting in a positive charge in the tree.

Answer 4

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