Current Vs Voltage: How Much Current Can Kill You?

Science ABC
31 May 201905:21
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script discusses the dangers of electric shocks, emphasizing that it's not just about voltage but the current (amps) that can be lethal. It explains the role of Ohm's law in understanding electrical circuits and the importance of resistance and skin condition in the severity of shocks. The message is clear: electricity, while beneficial, can be dangerous and should be handled with care to avoid potentially fatal outcomes.

Takeaways
  • 😅 Static electricity shocks are common minor inconveniences, but electric shocks can be dangerous or even fatal.
  • ⚡ Voltage (measured in volts) is the potential difference between two points in a circuit, akin to water pressure in a pipe.
  • 🔋 Current (measured in amperes or amps) represents the flow of electrical charge, similar to the volume of water in a pipe.
  • 🚫 Resistance (measured in ohms) is the opposition to the flow of current, comparable to friction inside the pipe.
  • 📜 Ohm's Law states that voltage is equal to the product of current and resistance in an electrical circuit.
  • ⚠️ Warning labels on electrical equipment indicate the voltage and potential danger of direct contact, emphasizing the risk of fatality.
  • 🤔 The severity of an electrical shock is more closely related to the amount of current (amps) than the voltage.
  • ⚡️ Even low voltages (e.g., 42 volts) can be lethal, as the risk comes from the current that passes through the body, not just high voltage.
  • 😨 Severe shocks can occur at currents over 10 milliamps, with 100-200 milliamps potentially causing pain, burns, and unconsciousness.
  • 🏥 Immediate medical attention is crucial for victims of high-current shocks, as the heart may need to be restarted.
  • 🌧️ Wet skin has lower resistance (around 1000 ohms) compared to dry skin (over 500,000 ohms), making electrical shocks more severe in wet conditions.
Q & A

  • What is the primary factor that determines the severity of an electrical shock?

    -The primary factor that determines the severity of an electrical shock is the amount of current, or the number of amps being forced through the body.

  • How is voltage related to the flow of current in an electrical circuit?

    -Voltage is related to the flow of current in an electrical circuit as it is the driving force that pushes the current through the circuit. Ohm's law states that voltage is equal to the product of current and resistance.

  • What does Ohm's law state and how is it fundamental in understanding electricity?

    -Ohm's law states that the voltage across a conductor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it and the resistance of the conductor. It is fundamental in understanding electricity as it defines the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit.

  • Why do birds not get electrocuted when sitting on high power lines?

    -Birds do not get electrocuted when sitting on high power lines because they are not providing a path for current to flow to the ground. The lack of a potential difference prevents the flow of current, which is necessary for an electrical shock to occur.

  • What is the significance of resistance in the context of an electrical circuit?

    -Resistance is significant in an electrical circuit as it opposes the flow of current. It is measured in ohms and can be compared to the friction that the insides of a pipe offer to the flow of water. The resistance of a body to the flow of current can affect the severity of an electrical shock.

  • How does the condition of the skin affect the body's resistance to electric current?

    -The condition of the skin significantly affects the body's resistance to electric current. Wet skin has a lower resistance, around 1000 ohms, allowing more current to flow, while dry skin has a higher resistance, over 500,000 ohms, limiting the flow of current.

  • What are the potential outcomes of an electrical shock with a current higher than 10 milliamps?

    -An electrical shock with a current higher than 10 milliamps can produce severe shocks. Currents in the range of 100 to 200 milliamps can be very painful and potentially fatal, while currents above 200 milliamps may cause severe burns, unconsciousness, and heart failure, requiring immediate medical attention.

  • What is the role of the voltage rating on electrical boards and generators in terms of safety?

    -The voltage rating on electrical boards and generators serves as a warning of the potential danger of direct, unprotected contact with the machine. It indicates the voltage at which the equipment operates, and high voltage can be lethal if proper safety measures are not taken.

  • Why is it not true that higher voltage always results in a deadlier shock?

    -Higher voltage does not always result in a deadlier shock because the severity of an electrical shock is determined by multiple factors, including the current (number of amps), the resistance of the body, the frequency and duration of the current flow, and the condition of the skin. A higher voltage might draw more power, but it is the current that actually causes harm when it flows through the body.

  • What is the importance of immediate medical attention in cases of severe electrical shocks?

    -Immediate medical attention is crucial in cases of severe electrical shocks because it can improve the victim's chances of survival. Severe shocks can cause heart failure due to severe muscular contractions, and medical intervention may be necessary to restart the heart.

  • How does the point of contact affect the severity of an electrical shock?

    -The point of contact affects the severity of an electrical shock because the body's internal resistance varies depending on the path the current takes. For example, the resistance from hand to foot is nearly 500 Ohms, but only 100 Ohms between the ears, making the latter more prone to severe injuries due to higher current flow.

Outlines
00:00
💡 Understanding Electrical Shocks and Their Severity

This paragraph discusses the nature of electrical shocks, differentiating between harmless static shocks and dangerous electric shocks that can be fatal. It explains the basic concepts of electricity, including current (measured in amperes or amps), voltage (measured in volts), and resistance (measured in ohms), using the analogy of water flow through a pipe to illustrate these concepts. The paragraph emphasizes Ohm's law, which relates voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit. It corrects the common misconception that high voltage is always deadly, explaining that it is the amount of current (in milliamps) that passes through the body which determines the severity and potential lethality of an electrical shock. The paragraph also touches on factors that influence the severity of shocks, such as skin condition (wet or dry), the point of contact on the body, and the importance of immediate medical attention in cases of severe electrocution.

05:04
⚠️ The Dangers of Neglecting Electrical Safety

This paragraph highlights the dual nature of electricity as a powerful force that can either significantly benefit society when handled with care or lead to disastrous consequences when neglected. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential brutality of electricity when not treated with the respect and safety measures it requires.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Static Electricity
Static electricity refers to the stationary electric charges that build up on the surface of objects due to friction or contact. In the video, it is mentioned as the cause of the minor shock experienced when touching a doorknob, illustrating that electricity can be both a daily occurrence and potentially hazardous.
💡Electric Shocks
Electric shocks occur when a current of electricity passes through the body, which can range from harmless to fatal depending on the amount of current and duration of exposure. The video emphasizes the danger of electric shocks and distinguishes between minor inconveniences like static shocks and severe cases that can lead to electrocution.
💡Amperes (Amps)
Amperes, or amps, is the unit of measurement for the flow of electric current. The video explains that the amount of current flowing through a circuit is crucial in determining the severity of an electric shock, with higher amps leading to more severe consequences.
💡Volts
Volts are the unit of measurement for electrical potential difference, or voltage. While the video clarifies that a higher voltage can draw more power, it also emphasizes that it is the current, not the voltage, that directly causes harm in an electric shock.
💡Ohms
Ohms are the unit of measurement for electrical resistance, which is the opposition to the flow of electric current. The video uses the analogy of water flowing through a pipe to explain how resistance affects the current and, consequently, the potential harm of an electric shock.
💡Ohm’s Law
Ohm’s Law is a fundamental principle in electrical science that defines the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit. The video mentions this law to explain that voltage is equal to the product of current and resistance, highlighting the interconnectedness of these electrical concepts.
💡Electrocution
Electrocution is the death caused by an electric shock, which can occur when a significant amount of current passes through the body. The video discusses that electrocution can happen with household appliances and emphasizes the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to the severity of an electrical shock.
💡Milliamps
Milliamps are a smaller unit of electric current, with one milliamp being one-thousandth of an amp. The video uses milliamps to quantify the severity of electric shocks, explaining that even small amounts can produce severe shocks, while higher levels can be fatal.
💡Direct Current (DC)
Direct Current (DC) is a type of electrical current that flows in one constant direction. The video mentions that electrocution can occur with direct current at as low as 42 volts, challenging the common misconception that only high voltages are dangerous.
💡Frequency and Duration
Frequency refers to the rate at which an electrical current changes direction, while duration is the length of time the current flows. The video explains that both frequency and duration are critical factors in determining the lethal potential of an electric shock, along with voltage, amps, and resistance.
💡Skin Resistance
Skin resistance is the body's natural resistance to the flow of electric current, which can vary depending on the condition of the skin (wet or dry). The video points out that wet skin has lower resistance, allowing more current to flow and potentially increasing the severity of an electric shock.
Highlights

The analogy of water flow through a pipe is used to explain the concepts of voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit.

Voltage is compared to water pressure, expressed in volts, and amperage to the volume of water, measured in amperes or amps.

Resistance is likened to the friction within the pipe that affects the flow of water, and is measured in ohms.

Ohm's law is introduced as a fundamental principle in electricity, defining the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance.

Mathematically, Ohm's law is expressed as voltage being equal to the product of current and resistance.

The misconception that higher voltage always means more danger is debunked, emphasizing that the severity of an electrical shock depends on the current.

It is clarified that even low voltages, such as 42 volts of direct current, can be lethal due to the amount of current that can pass through the body.

The critical factor in an electrical shock's severity is the amperage, or the amount of current forced through the body, rather than just the voltage.

Currents above 10 milliamps can produce severe shocks, with 100 to 200 milliamps being very painful and potentially fatal.

Immediate medical attention is crucial for survival when dealing with high amperage currents to possibly restart the heart.

While current is responsible for harm, voltage plays a necessary role in allowing current to flow and must be considered in the context of frequency and duration.

Birds on high power lines do not get electrocuted because there is no potential difference between their feet.

The saying “It's not the volts that kill you, it's the amps” is discussed, highlighting that current is the direct cause of harm but requires certain conditions to be dangerous.

The condition of the skin significantly affects the body's resistance to current, with wet skin allowing more current to flow due to lower resistance.

The point of contact on the body influences the severity of an electrical shock, with some areas, like between the ears, being more prone to injury.

Avoiding direct physical contact with live electrical conductors is advised to prevent accidents and ensure safety.

Electricity, when handled with care, is essential for powering the world, but negligence can lead to disastrous consequences.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

Do Volts or Amps Kill You? Voltage, Current and Resistance

What Actually Happens When You Get Electrocuted

Intro to Ohm's Law & Deeper Look at Voltage in Circuits

Resistors | Electricity | Physics | FuseSchool

Should a Person Touch 200,000 Volts? A Van de Graaff generator experiment!

AP Physics 1 Review of Charge and Circuit | Physics | Khan Academy

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
ElectricalSafetyOhmsLawStaticElectricityElectrocutionRisksCurrentImpactVoltageMisconceptionsResistanceFactorsWaterAnalogiesPreventiveMeasuresElectricalInjuries