Learn Chinese Grammar - Why 了 is put after the verb?

Why 了 is put after the verb? Can I put it after the object?
Examples
1. 我洗了澡之后
2. 你吃了饭
Answer:
I. Verb 了 object (之后)就 Verb 2 – it's usually used if there are two activities in the sentence (the second activity is directly continued after the first).
Example:
1. After I read the book, then I go to my friend's house to play.
我看了书就去朋友家玩。

2. After I learnt Chinese, then I go to the mall to stroll
我学了中文就去商场逛逛。

3. After I bought the things then I go home.
我买了东西就回家。

II. 了 can be put after the object/verb – usually if there is only one activity in the past tense sentence.
1. Yesterday I read an interesting book.
昨天我看了一本很有趣的书。(More used in Mainland China)
昨天我看一本很有趣的书了。(More used in Taiwan)
Both have the same meaning.

2. I have learned Chinese for 3 years.
我学了中文3年。(More used in Mainland China)
我学中文3年了。(More used in Taiwan)
Both have the same meaning.

3. I bought things.
我买了东西。(More used in Mainland China)
我买东西了。(More used in Taiwan)
Both have the same meaning.

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