The charge is transferred to the earth through the human body.
Explanation
The phenomenon described is governed by the principles of electrical conductivity and the concept of earthing (or grounding). The human body is a conductor of electricity, and the Earth serves as a vast reservoir of electric charge with zero potential.
Scientific Reasoning
When a charged object is touched by a human hand, the following process occurs:
- Conductivity of the Human Body: The human body contains a significant amount of water and dissolved ions, making it a good conductor of electricity.
- Flow of Charge: If the person is standing on the ground, their body creates a conducting path between the charged object and the Earth.
- Earthing: The excess charge on the object flows through the human body into the Earth to neutralize the potential difference. This transfer of charge to the Earth is scientifically termed "earthing."
Therefore, the loss of charge is due to the transfer of electrons to or from the ground through the body, rather than absorption by skin cells, dissipation into the air, or neutralization by moisture alone.
Key Takeaway: Earthing is the process where a charged body shares its charge with the Earth through a conductor, resulting in the neutralization of the object.