What voltage would produce a noticeable current through dry skin?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the minimum voltage required to produce a noticeable current through dry skin, specifically addressing the relationship between voltage, resistance, and current. It is established that a current of 1 mA can be felt, with dry skin resistance approximated at 1.1 × 105 ohms. Using Ohm's Law (V = IR), the minimum voltage needed to achieve this current is calculated to be 110 volts. This conclusion highlights the critical thresholds of electrical sensation and pain in relation to skin resistance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (V = IR)
  • Basic knowledge of electrical resistance and current
  • Familiarity with units of measurement (volts, ohms, milliamps)
  • Concept of human body resistance under different conditions (dry vs. wet skin)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of electrical current on the human body
  • Explore the relationship between skin moisture and resistance
  • Learn about safety standards for electrical exposure
  • Investigate the physiological effects of currents above 1 mA
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, safety professionals, medical personnel, and anyone interested in the effects of electrical currents on human physiology.

PepeF.
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Homework Statement



The damage caused by electric shock depends
on the current flowing through the body;
1 mA can be felt and 5 mA is painful. Above
15 mA, a person loses muscle control, and 70
mA can be fatal. A person with dry skin has a
resistance from one arm to the other of about
1.1 × 10^5
. When skin is wet, the resistance
drops to about 5100
.
What is the minimum voltage placed across
the arms that would produce a current that
could be felt by a person with dry skin?
Answer in units of V.

Homework Equations



V=R*I

The Attempt at a Solution



i want to know the procedure to solve this problem
i have tried, but i don't quite understand the problem
 
Last edited:
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You haven't specified the units of resistance, but assuming you have them there with you, the resistance is "R" in the equation. The current is expressed as "I" in the equation. "V" is the voltage. And you have the equation V = IR, so...
 

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