# A thundercloud has a large negative charge on its lower surface. Explain why this causes the ground directly below the cloud to become positively charged, and describe the type of force that then acts between the cloud and the ground.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 7.3 Static electricity – forces and electric fields · Explain · 4 marks

> During a thunderstorm, charge builds up on clouds. This can cause the ground beneath to become charged in the opposite way.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The negative charge on the cloud repels electrons in the ground downwards / away from the surface
2. This leaves the surface of the ground with fewer electrons / a deficit of electrons, making it positively charged
3. The cloud is negatively charged and the ground surface is positively charged — opposite charges attract
4. The force between the cloud and the ground is an attractive electrostatic force (acting at a distance / without contact)

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