Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 18 - Electric Currents - Questions - Page 520: 18

Answer

Outside and barefoot, you could become a conductor for the current to reach the ground.

Work Step by Step

If you are outside with bare feet, and an appliance malfunction exposes your hand to a voltage, the current has a direct path to the Earth through your body and feet. You will receive a strong shock. On the other hand, if you are inside wearing shoes with thick (insulating) soles, and the appliance malfunctions, the current won’t have an easy path to ground through your body. Any shock you receive will be milder than in the first case.
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