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Examoogle • User • info@examoogle.com • EE-2024-8821
Chapter 1 of 12 • Page 1 of 248🔒 Protected PDF • Watermarked
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The intensity of an electric shock depends on which factor?
The period of shock
Voltage
Type of current
All of above
All of above
Quick Summary: The intensity and physiological effect of an electric shock depend on multiple parameters, including the magnitude of current, the duration of the current path through the body, the type of supply (AC vs DC), and the contact resistance.
The intensity and physiological effect of an electric shock depend on multiple parameters, including the magnitude of current, the duration of the current path through the body, the type of supply (AC vs DC), and the contact resistance.
I=RbodyV — Current flowing through the human body
E=∫0tV(t)⋅I(t)dt — Total energy delivered during shock duration
The human body acts as an electrical circuit element with impedance Z=R+jX. According to Ohm's Law I=RbodyV, the current is the primary driver of tissue damage. AC current is generally more dangerous than DC at the same RMS voltage because it can induce ventricular fibrillation at lower magnitudes due to its frequency (50/60Hz) interfering with the heart's natural rhythm. Duration is critical, as a longer shock allows more charge to flow, increasing the risk of respiratory paralysis and cardiac arrest.
AC current (50-60 Hz) is more dangerous than DC because it causes repetitive muscle contractions, making it difficult to let go of the conductor.
Body resistance varies significantly based on skin moisture, pressure, and contact area.
Current path is crucial; current passing through the heart or brain is far more lethal than passing through limbs.
Shock duration (t) determines the likelihood of permanent cellular damage and cardiac interference.
Electrical Safety Engineering
Design of Grounding Systems
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards
The threshold of perception for AC (60 Hz) is typically 1 mA, while 'let-go' threshold is about 10-16 mA.
Option A is correct because energy is cumulative over time.
Option B is correct because voltage determines the magnitude of current flow through internal resistance.
Option C is correct because DC causes single muscle contraction while AC causes repeated tetanizing contractions.
D is correct — The severity of an electric shock is determined by the complex interplay of voltage, duration, current type, and body impedance path.
In competitive exams, remember that 'All of the above' is often correct for questions concerning safety factors because electrical accidents are multi-variable phenomena.