Chapter 19, Problem 19Q

To determine

Why is it so dangerous to switch on an electric appliance when you are standing out with bare feet?

Answer to Problem 19Q

Solution:

It is dangerous to switch on an electric appliance with bare feet because your body and earth both offer very less resistance and current can pass through your body.

Explanation of Solution

According to Ohm’s law current always follows the path of least resistance.

Since, your body and the earth are a very good conductor of electricity, also the resistance of your body is very less. So, if you switch on the electric appliance with bare feet, the current can pass through your body, and you may feel the electric shock.

While when you switch on the electric appliance wearing thick shoes, you will never get an electric shock as the resistance of the shoe is very high, and current will not pass through your body.