What is lightning proportional to?

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    Lightning Proportional
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the factors influencing the severity of electric shocks, particularly in relation to lightning. Key determinants include voltage, current, resistance, and circumstantial factors such as skin condition, area of contact, and body positioning. The conversation highlights that individual electrical resistance varies, affecting injury outcomes. For instance, a person with dry skin may experience more localized damage due to higher resistance, while the path of current flow through the body significantly impacts survival chances.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical concepts such as voltage, current, and resistance.
  • Knowledge of human body conductivity and resistance variations.
  • Familiarity with safety practices when dealing with electrical appliances.
  • Awareness of the effects of environmental factors on electrical injuries.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electrical resistance in human bodies.
  • Study the effects of voltage and current on electrical shock severity.
  • Learn about safety measures for working with live electrical equipment.
  • Investigate the physiological effects of electric shocks and lightning strikes.
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, safety professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the risks associated with electric shocks and lightning strikes.

Likith D
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Say that i were to hold an electric appliance
obvious, i receive an electric shock
What will 'how bad my injuries will be' depend on ?
Is it potential difference, current, heating effect, ...
 
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Yes. Voltage, current, resistance, but many other circumstantial factors such as what part of the body, area of contact, conducivity of connection, etc.
 
Could you rephrase the question and add a little more detail? Different people have different electrical resistance, so that question as phrased would be difficult to answer. Someone with really dry skin for example could possibly offer more resistance to the current so damage may be more localized. Clothing, shoes and as Dave pointed out body contact, surface area of contact, even which foot is making contact with the ground would make a difference.
 
Likith D said:
Say that i were to hold an electric appliance
obvious, i receive an electric shock
What will 'how bad my injuries will be' depend on ?
Is it potential difference, current, heating effect, ...

and what does that have to do with lightning as posted in the title ??Dave
 
davenn said:
and what does that have to do with lightning as posted in the title ??Dave
OOHHHH sorry 'bout that one...
 
How you hold it can make a difference. For example you are more likely to survive if the current flows from one hand, down through your body and shoes than if it flows from one hand to the other via your heart. Not least because you shoes help reduce the magnitude of the current.

You should avoid working on "live" equipment when possible but if that's not possible then keeping one hand in your pocket might just save you (or it might not).
 

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