Question

Why does petrol road tankers usually have a length of metal chain hanging down touching the ground?

Answer 1

For earthing and to prevent short circuit which may lead to explosions

Answer 2

Answer:

Due to air friction, the body of the tankers also gets charged in addition to the charge developed on tires. In case, the charge accumulation becomes large, it may prove hazardous to the vehicle carrying inflammable materials.

So that it does not happen, metallic chains from the road tankers are made to touch the ground. Due to this, the charge on the tanker leaks to the earth.

Explanation:

Electric charge is the physical property of matter that causes it to experience a force when placed in an electromagnetic field.