What primarily determines the severity of an electrical shock?

The severity of an electrical shock is primarily determined by the amount of current that passes through the body. Current is measured in amperes (amps) and is the flow of electric charge. When an electric shock occurs, it is the current that interacts with the human body, potentially causing harm or disruption to internal biological systems.

In general, factors such as voltage and resistance play roles in determining how much current can flow in a circuit, but ultimately, it is the current that has the most direct impact on the severity of the shock experienced by a person. Higher currents can lead to more serious injuries, including muscle contractions, nerve damage, or even cardiac arrest.

For example, currents as low as 10 milliamperes can cause a painful shock, while currents above 100 milliamperes can lead to lethal outcomes. Therefore, while voltage and resistance are important in the context of electrical circuits, the current ultimately dictates the immediate physiological effects experienced during an electrical shock.