At which current, in amperes, might a person experience loss of muscle control?

At which current, in amperes, might a person experience loss of muscle control?

• A. 0.001 amps
• B. 0.07 amps
• C. 0.015 amps
• D. 0.005 amps

Answer: (C)

When current flows through the body, it stimulates nerves and muscles. Small currents might produce a tingling sensation, but as the current climbs into the milliamp range, muscles start to contract. Around 15 milliamperes (0.015 A) the contractions can be strong enough that you can’t voluntarily relax or let go of what you’re holding. That’s why this level is commonly cited as the threshold where loss of muscle control can occur. Lower values like 0.001 A or 0.005 A are typically felt as tiny sensations or minor twitches and don’t usually cause loss of control. A higher current, such as 0.07 A, would cause a much more intense shock and other dangerous effects, but the specific situation of losing grip is most closely associated with the ~0.015 A range.

When current flows through the body, it stimulates nerves and muscles. Small currents might produce a tingling sensation, but as the current climbs into the milliamp range, muscles start to contract. Around 15 milliamperes (0.015 A) the contractions can be strong enough that you can’t voluntarily relax or let go of what you’re holding. That’s why this level is commonly cited as the threshold where loss of muscle control can occur.

Lower values like 0.001 A or 0.005 A are typically felt as tiny sensations or minor twitches and don’t usually cause loss of control. A higher current, such as 0.07 A, would cause a much more intense shock and other dangerous effects, but the specific situation of losing grip is most closely associated with the ~0.015 A range.