Why is there sometimes a third prong on a plug and what might be the risk if I rip it off?

Question

I have a laptop and the power chord has three prongs. In order for it to fit the adapters in the country I'm staying at, it has to have only two. What is that third prong for and what could happen if I just take it of so that it fits the adapters? My friend did it with his laptop and its fine, but is there any risk at all? Any other info you can give is also appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

The third prong is the ground and should not be removed.You could short-circuit the unit and be shocked.