The dial of a scale looks like this: 00.0kg. A physicist placed a spring on it. The dial read 00.6kg. He then placed a metal cha

Complete Question:

Picture yourself on an aluminum ladder on the ground, attempting to fix an electrical connection with a metal screwdriver featuring a metallic handle. Since you are sweating profusely, your body has a resistance of 1.60 kΩ.

(a) If you accidentally contact the "hot" wire from the 120 V power line, what current will flow through your body?

(b) What is the amount of electrical power transferred to your body?

Answer:

(a) 0.075A

(b) 9W

Explanation:

According to Ohm's law, the voltage (V) applied to or passing through a body corresponds to the current (I) via the relationship:

V ∝ I

=> V = I x R                 ----------------------(i)

Where;

R denotes the resistance of the body

(a) As mentioned;

Due to wet conditions, the body will conduct electricity, and possesses the following values;

V = supplied voltage = 120V

R = resistance of the wet body = 1.60kΩ = 1.6 x 1000Ω = 1600Ω

Substituting these values into equation(i):

120 = I x 1600

To find I;

I =

I = 0.075A

Thus the current passing through your body is 0.075A

(b) Electrical power (P), which is expressed in Watts (W), delivered to the body is the product of current (I) and voltage (V) received. Thus:

P = I x V           ---------------------(ii)

Where;

I equates to 0.075A   [as derived above]

V is 120V     [as outlined in the question]

Plugging these values into equation (ii):

P = 0.075 x 120

P = 9W

Hence, the electrical power received by your body is 9W