Animals and Current Electricity

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SUMMARY

The discussion addresses the phenomenon of electric shock in animals, specifically cows and birds, when in contact with electric fences and high-voltage lines. Cows experience mild shocks due to current flowing through their skin and into the ground, stimulating pain receptors. Birds can perch on high-voltage lines without injury because they do not create a path for current to flow through their bodies, as they are not in contact with the ground. Additionally, the frequency of AC current in household wiring is 50Hz, which minimizes muscle response and pain during electric shocks.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electrical circuits
  • Knowledge of animal physiology related to electrical stimuli
  • Familiarity with alternating current (AC) principles
  • Understanding of electrical insulation properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of electric shock on animal physiology
  • Learn about electrical insulation materials and their properties
  • Study the principles of alternating current and its effects on the human body
  • Explore safety measures for animals around electric fencing
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, animal behaviorists, electricians, and anyone interested in the interaction between electricity and living organisms.

Soaring Crane
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I was glancing at a physics book, and two questions in the electricity section caught my eye.

Why does a cow that touches an electric fence experience a mild shock?

Why can birds perch on high-voltage lines without being injured?

For the second one, I believe it is that their "feet" are better insulated. (Don't some die, however?) What about the first one?

Thanks.
 
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The one about the bird...

It can perch on one wire without being electrocuted as there is no reason why the electricity should flow through the bird. If the bird was touching the ground as well as the wire current would flow through the bird to be earthed in the ground. Standing on a single wire does not let this happen.

The same reason goes for the cow, current flows through his skin and down through his leg into the Earth and this stimulates the pain receptors and the muscles which give it a shock.

Interestingly I was reading that AC current supplied to our houses has a frequency of 50Hz for the opposite reason to the cow one. Apparently our muscles respond (would resonate be the right word here?) worst to this frequency so we experience a lot less pain and we should be able to release a grip from whatever was giving us the shock.

Please correct me if I'm wrong I haven't quite got onto university physics yet.
 

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