Question

Explain why, a glass rod can be charged by rubbing when held by hand but an iron rod cannot be charged by rubbing, if held by hand.

Answer 1

Glass rod, being an insulator can be charged by holding it in our hand. This is because, the transfer of charge from the surface of the glass to our body does not take place. Hence, the glass remains charged. Iron rod cannot be charged by rubbing when held in hand. Iron being a good conductor of electricity, transfer the charge produced on it into our body and is further transferred into the earth through our body. Therefore, the iron rod will continuously remain charge free.