What kind of charge can a thunder cloud contain?

Thunder clouds, specifically cumulonimbus clouds, contain both positive and negative charges. This charge separation occurs due to various processes, including collisions between ice crystals and supercooled water droplets within the cloud. As these particles interact, electrons can be transferred, leading to areas of differing charge.

The lower region of the cloud typically accumulates negative charge, while a positive charge tends to build up in the upper part. This arrangement sets the stage for electric discharge events, such as lightning, as the cloud seeks to neutralize the charge imbalance either within itself or with the ground. Thus, understanding that thunder clouds can host both types of charge is crucial for grasping the mechanics of storm systems and their associated electrical phenomena.