Why Electricity Is Dangerous
You've probably been shocked before by static electricity, like when you walk across carpet and touch a doorknob.
But a real electric shock is a lot more painful than that, and a lot more dangerous. Here's what can happen:
It sounds scary, and it is, but if you remember the safety rules, you can use electricity without getting hurt.
Humans are good conductors
Did you know that the human body is a good conductor of electricity? That means that electricity flows easily through our bodies. Why? Because electricity moves quickly through water - and the human body is 70 percent water!
Another fact you need to remember is that electricity always tries to find the easiest path to the ground.
Accidents happen quickly
You might think that if you get shocked, you can pull away quickly and not get hurt. But electricity travels at the speed of light, so a person has almost no chance of pulling away.
And if the electricity is strong enough, it can cause the victim's muscles to tighten up so much he or she can't let go.
Anyone who touches someone who is being electrocuted can become part of the circuit as well. That's why you should never grab on to anyone who's been shocked.
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