Why does electrical current passing through the human body hurt?

In summary, the electrical current can cause pain by disrupting the normal functioning of our muscles and interfering with the electrochemical triggers of our heart, potentially leading to death. Our body does not have a natural ability to detect electric current, but we are constantly exposed to small amounts of current from our electrical sockets. When the current exceeds safe levels, it can result in convulsions and heart failure. This is why it is important to be cautious around electrical sources and keep our bodies protected.
  • #1
much noise
2
0
What's the electrical current messing up that's causing pain?
 
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  • #2
Nerves.
 
  • #3
Care to elaborate? Can't just be nerves, anyway, because I know that sometimes it fries you. And you can't die from a lot of input coming in your nerves. (Can you!?)
 
  • #4
Because muscles work by maintaining a potential difference along the muscle which, when discharge, causes your muscles to contract. Therefore, when you get electrocuted the excess current messes up this whole system and your muscles convulse (contractt and extend) wildly. Which can be quite painful.
 
  • #5
However, to really answer you question our body DOESN'T detect electric current. The reason is simply because we never evolved to (not much evolutionary advantage in the natural world, the only exposure to electric current would be when we got struck by lightning). The convulsion of the muscles only occurs at a certain current level. However, we conduct current across our skin all the time and don't notice. If you were to take an oscilloscope (or a volt/multi-meter) and grab each terminal with different hands you would find that you have a 60Hz (depending on what region you're in) current conduction across you right this second. It's coming from your electrical sockets and conducting through you (this current is small of course). But such small currents are harmless to us and we don't notice them.
 
  • #6
Along with what maverick said, your muscles are controlled by electrical signals, your heart is a muscle. The big danger from AC electricity is that the 60Hz makes your heart try and beat 60 times per second which exceeds the manufacturers recommended specification by quite a large margin - which generally leads to a failure.
 
  • #7
much noise said:
Care to elaborate? Can't just be nerves, anyway, because I know that sometimes it fries you. And you can't die from a lot of input coming in your nerves. (Can you!?)

Yes, you can. That's what happens when current goes through the brain. It also kills by interfering with the heart's electrochemical triggers, either stopping it completely or causing it to flutter uselessly (a condition called fibrillation).

But the part that hurts is the nerves being electrostimulated.
 
  • #8
mgb_phys said:
which exceeds the manufacturers recommended specification by quite a large margin - which generally leads to a failure.

lmfao!
 
  • #9
If I ever have to have surgery I want some those "warranty void if seal broken" and "no user serviceable parts inside" stickers
 
  • #10
mgb_phys said:
Along with what maverick said, your muscles are controlled by electrical signals, your heart is a muscle. The big danger from AC electricity is that the 60Hz makes your heart try and beat 60 times per second which exceeds the manufacturers recommended specification by quite a large margin - which generally leads to a failure.

Cripes, don't get me started on the warranty program either.
 

1. Why does electrical current passing through the human body hurt?

Electricity is a form of energy that can flow through conductive materials, such as the human body. When an electrical current flows through the body, it can cause damage to cells and tissues, resulting in pain and discomfort.

2. What happens to the body when it experiences an electric shock?

An electric shock can cause a range of effects on the body, depending on the strength and duration of the current. It can disrupt the body's normal electrical signals, leading to muscle contractions, burns, and even cardiac arrest.

3. Why do some people experience more pain from electrical shocks than others?

Individuals may have different levels of pain tolerance due to factors such as age, overall health, and the location and intensity of the shock. Additionally, the type of current (AC or DC) and the path it takes through the body can also influence the amount of pain felt.

4. Can electrical current passing through the body cause permanent damage?

Yes, depending on the strength and duration of the current, electrical shocks can cause permanent damage to the body. This can include nerve damage, tissue necrosis, and long-term effects on the heart and other organs.

5. How can we protect ourselves from electric shocks?

To reduce the risk of electric shocks, it is important to follow safety measures such as using properly insulated equipment, avoiding contact with live wires or outlets, and turning off the power before handling electrical devices. Additionally, wearing protective gear and receiving proper training can also help prevent electric shocks.

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