Which current, in amperes, typically produces a painful shock?

Which current, in amperes, typically produces a painful shock?

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

Answer: (B)

The important idea is how current level relates to what a person feels and how dangerous it can be. For alternating current at typical frequencies, the onset of a painful shock happens at only a few milliamps. About 5 milliamps, which is 0.005 amperes, is commonly cited as the threshold where the sensation becomes painful. Smaller currents, like 1 mA, are usually barely noticeable, while larger currents (tens of milliamps or more) can cause stronger contractions, loss of control, or more serious hazards. So 0.005 A best matches the commonly cited point at which a shock becomes painful.

The important idea is how current level relates to what a person feels and how dangerous it can be. For alternating current at typical frequencies, the onset of a painful shock happens at only a few milliamps. About 5 milliamps, which is 0.005 amperes, is commonly cited as the threshold where the sensation becomes painful. Smaller currents, like 1 mA, are usually barely noticeable, while larger currents (tens of milliamps or more) can cause stronger contractions, loss of control, or more serious hazards. So 0.005 A best matches the commonly cited point at which a shock becomes painful.