$1.(10$ pts$)$ Lightning occurs when large amounts of electric charge are separated between the clouds and the ground.

a$.(3$ pts$)$ Lightning is most likely to strike when a cloud and the ground beneath it have accumulated large opposite charges. Why is lightning unlikely if the clouds have large like charges?

b$.(3$ pts$)$ The atmosphere does a great deal of work in creating the separated charge that produces lightning. As it does so$,$ the ground becomes charged and the clouds become oppositely charged. When enough opposite charge has accumulated on the ground and in the cloud above it$,$ lightning will strike. One indication that this dangerous charge accumulation has occurred is that your hair begins to stand up$.$ Explain this effect.

c$.(4$ pts$)$ A sharp lightning rod reduces any local build$-$up of electric charge and prevents nearby lightning strikes. How does the lightning rod get rid of local electric charge and allow it to gradually recombine with the charge in the clouds overhead?