At which frequencies is the human body most sensitive to electrical current?
ANear 50 or 60 hertz
BAt zero hertz for DC
CAbove 10 kilohertz
DBelow one hertz
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Near 50 or 60 hertz
1. Sensitivity is measured by the smallest current that produces a given effect.
2. That minimum current is lowest, so sensitivity is highest, near 50 and 60 hertz.
3. Those are precisely the frequencies in common use, which is an unlucky coincidence.
4. The body is slightly less sensitive at zero frequency, which mildly supports Edison's claim about AC.
5. Sensitivity keeps falling as frequency rises, because nerves have a maximum rate at which they can fire.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 20 "Electric Current, Resistance, and Ohm's Law", section Shock Hazards_
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