Final answer:
Electric charge can be transferred by contact, conduction, or induction, either decreasing or increasing the charge on an object. Reduction occurs when an atom or ion gains electrons, decreasing its charge.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several methods by which electric charge can be transferred or decreased, affecting the electrical state of an object. The two primary types of charge are positive and negative. When an atom or ion gains electrons, experiencing a reduction in charge, this is known as reduction. Charges can be transferred by contact, conduction, and induction. For instance, charging by contact happens when two different materials are rubbed together, causing electrons to be transferred from one to the other. Charging by conduction involves touching a charged object to another object, thereby transferring charge. Charging by induction involves creating a polarization charge within an object without direct contact, sometimes followed by grounding to remove excess charge.