Explain why a charged body loses its charge if we touch it with our hand.

When a charged object comes into contact with our hand, a process called “charging by conduction” occurs, resulting in the loss of the object’s charge. Here’s why:

1. Conduction Process: Our bodies conduct electricity. Upon touching a charged object, electrons move between the object and our hand due to our body’s conductive nature.

2. Charge Equalization: Excess charge on the object spreads out or neutralizes as charges shift between the object and our hand. If the object had extra electrons (negative charge), some move to our hand. If it had a shortage (positive charge), some electrons from our hand transfer to the object.

3. Neutralization: Eventually, both the object and our hand reach an equilibrium state, reducing or neutralizing the net charge. This leads to a decrease in the object’s charge as it shares charges with our hand.

4. Grounding Effect: The Earth can absorb excess charges. When we touch the charged object, some charges flow through us to the ground, aiding in the object’s charge loss.

In essence, touching a charged object with our hand causes a redistribution of charges through conduction, resulting in a balanced state between the object and our hand and leading to the loss of the object’s excess charge.