Answer:
The Earth can gain or lose electrons while maintaining its neutrality because the charges are distributed across its large area.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of grounding objects or connecting them to the Earth's surface is a way to discharge excess electrical charge and ensure that objects remain at a neutral or nearly neutral electric potential. It's a common practice in electrical engineering and safety to prevent electrical shocks and damage to electronic equipment.
When people ground objects, they are essentially allowing any excess electrons (negative charge) to flow into the Earth, which can maintain a balance in the overall charge of the object. However, the key point to understand is that the Earth itself is a vast conductor of electricity due to its size and composition. It can absorb and distribute electrical charges over a large area, and it remains electrically neutral on a global scale.