Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

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

Chapter 19 - DC Circuits - Questions - Page 550: 18

Answer

Outside and barefoot your body provides an easy way for the current to reach 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.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.