AC vs DC: The Lethal Debate of Constant Voltage

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the lethality of AC (Alternating Current) versus DC (Direct Current) electricity, focusing on the implications of voltage and current in electric shock scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between voltage and current in determining lethality, questioning whether it is the voltage or the current that is more dangerous. Some express uncertainty about the specifics of the question being asked.

Discussion Status

There is a range of perspectives being shared, with some participants providing insights into the effects of different current levels on the human body. The discussion is ongoing, with no explicit consensus reached on the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various examples, such as the van der Graaff generator, and discuss the effects of AC on heart function, indicating a need for clarity on the definitions and implications of AC and DC in this context.

hellraiser
Which one is more lethal?
AC or DC.
The value of AC rms is given to be equal to DC.
I think it ought to be DC because it would provide constant voltage. but in case of ac it drops to zero sometimes. I would have exprimented but... :smile:
 
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Think about what is dangerous. Is it the voltage or the current that kills you?
 
it is the current that kills
 
That's an interesting question. Here some info you might find useful
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_shock"
 
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I don't know what this question is specifically asking? Dead is dead, no matter what killed you...

-Dan
 
The van der graff generator kids play with in high school uses thousands of volts with a tiny current.
 
Certain AC current levels cause heart fibrilation (higher levels cause a heart contraction and release,as in a de-fibrilator, not fibrilation) , if the current passes through the heart. That is what usually does the killing. DC is way safer in comparison.
 

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