Final Answer:
In charging by contact, the neutral object gains the same type of charge as the object that touched it. For example, if a negatively charged object touches a neutral object, the neutral object gains a negative charge.
Step-by-step explanation:
Charging by contact is a process where a neutral object becomes charged by coming into contact with a charged object. The principle involved here is the transfer of electrons between the two objects. If the charged object has an excess of electrons (negatively charged), and it touches a neutral object, electrons move from the charged object to the neutral one, causing the neutral object to gain a negative charge.
To elaborate, consider a scenario where a negatively charged object is brought into contact with a neutral object. The excess electrons from the negatively charged object transfer to the neutral object, leading to an accumulation of negative charges in the neutral object. Consequently, the neutral object now possesses a negative charge, mirroring the charge of the object that touched it.
Understanding this fundamental concept is essential in grasping the behavior of charges and the mechanisms behind static electricity.