A shock of 100mA lasting how long can be fatal?

A shock of 100mA lasting how long can be fatal?

• A. 1 minute
• B. 30 seconds
• C. 1 second
• D. 5 seconds

Answer: (C)

A shock of 100 mA (milliampere) lasting even a fraction of a second can be fatal due to the physiological effects of electrical current passing through the human body. The heart, particularly, is extremely sensitive to electrical currents. When a current of 100 mA flows through the chest cavity, it can disrupt the normal electrical signals that the heart relies on to maintain a steady rhythm. This could lead to ventricular fibrillation, where the heartbeats erratically and fails to pump blood effectively. The critical point here is the duration of the shock. When discussing electrical shock, even brief exposure to high currents can lead to serious consequences. In many instances, exposure to 100 mA for just 1 second is enough to induce potentially lethal conditions. Hence, even short durations can pose significant risks, making it clear why a 1-second exposure at this current level is highly dangerous and could be fatal. In contrast, longer durations listed in the other choices may involve less immediate risk because the body can sometimes react or be removed from the current source, preventing sustained, damaging effects. However, the immediacy of danger at 100 mA for the briefest period reinforces the critical need for caution around electrical systems.

A shock of 100 mA (milliampere) lasting even a fraction of a second can be fatal due to the physiological effects of electrical current passing through the human body. The heart, particularly, is extremely sensitive to electrical currents. When a current of 100 mA flows through the chest cavity, it can disrupt the normal electrical signals that the heart relies on to maintain a steady rhythm. This could lead to ventricular fibrillation, where the heartbeats erratically and fails to pump blood effectively.

The critical point here is the duration of the shock. When discussing electrical shock, even brief exposure to high currents can lead to serious consequences. In many instances, exposure to 100 mA for just 1 second is enough to induce potentially lethal conditions. Hence, even short durations can pose significant risks, making it clear why a 1-second exposure at this current level is highly dangerous and could be fatal.

In contrast, longer durations listed in the other choices may involve less immediate risk because the body can sometimes react or be removed from the current source, preventing sustained, damaging effects. However, the immediacy of danger at 100 mA for the briefest period reinforces the critical need for caution around electrical systems.