Which factors affect the severity of an electric shock?

The severity of an electric shock is primarily influenced by current, its path through the body, the duration of exposure to the electrical source, and the frequency of the electrical current. Current is the actual electric charge that flows, and its magnitude is crucial since higher currents can cause more severe physiological effects, including disruption of normal heart function.

The path that the current takes through the body also affects severity. For instance, if the current travels through vital organs such as the heart or brain, the risk of serious injury or death increases significantly. Additionally, the duration of the exposure plays a critical role; even a small current can be lethal if sustained long enough, as it can lead to continuous muscle contractions or induce fatal arrhythmias.

Frequency is another critical factor, particularly with AC (alternating current) which can create different effects on the body compared to DC (direct current). For example, the frequency of AC current can influence how the heart responds to the electric shock.

While other factors like voltage and resistance, environmental conditions, circuit type, and insulation are relevant to understanding the overall context of electrical safety, the immediate factors affecting the severity of an electric shock primarily center around current and its specific characteristics.