A worker accidentally grabs a 230-Volt power line with both hands and stands in

Question

A worker accidentally grabs a 230-Volt power line with both hands and stands in a puddle, effectively grounding both feet. What is the equivalent resistance of the body in this case?

What is the total current passing through the torso?

Assuming ground to be 0V, what is the voltage at the neck (the point where R1,R2 and R3 join)?

The person manages to let go of the wire with the left hand. What happens to the following quantities?

Increase Stays Same Decrease  The Voltage at the hips (the point where R3, R4 and R5 join).
Increase Stays Same Decrease  Resistance of the left leg.
Increase Stays Same Decrease  The current through the torso.
Increase Stays Same Decrease  The equivalent resistance used to calculate the total current.

Explanation / Answer

a) R1 and R2 are in parallel R12 = [1/550 + 1/550]-1 = 275 ohms

R12 is in series with R3, R123 = 275 + 90 = 365 ohms

R4 and R5 in parallel R45 = [1/400 + 1/400]-1 = 200 ohms

R45 is in series with R123, Requ = 200 + 365 = 565 ohms

equivalent resistance of the body Requ = 565 ohms

b) I = V / R = 230 / 565

total current passing through the torso = 0.407 A

c) voltage at the neck = 230 - [(550/2) * 0.407]

= 118 V

d) decreases, stays same, decreases, increases

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