| Electric current causes a number of effects.
The four major effects are: |
- heating
- magnetism
- chemical
- physiological
|
|
Heating
|
|
| When current flows in a conductor, heat
is produced. This heat is produced because of the resistance of the
conductor. The higher the resistance the greater the heat produced. |
|
| This heating effect is used in: |
- electric stoves
- electric radiators
- electric kettles
- electric cooking appliances
|
Magnetism
|
|
| Another useful effect of electric current
is the magnet effect. This effect is probably the most useful of the
common effects. There are many uses such as electric motors and electrical
appliances. |
|
| Some other magnet effects are:
|
- TV
- Radio
- Transformers
- Relays
- Floppy disks
|
Chemical
|
|
| Current will flow in an electrolyte solution
such as salt water. If two copper electrodes are placed in an electrolyte,
current will flow through the liquid. This effect can be used in electroplating
to coat a metal object such as a car bumper bar. |
|
| Other examples of chemical effect are: |
- battery charging
- electrolysis
|
| |
Physiological
|
|
| The physiological effect is the result
of current passing through a living being such as a human. The obvious
effect from this is an electric shock. An electric shock can cause
severe burns or even death. |
|
| Some uses for the physiological effect
are: |
- cattle prods
- electric fences
- defibrillators
- electric chair
|
|
Effects of an electric current passing
through a body
|
|
Current
|
Effect
|
|
up to 2mA
|
hardly noticeable
|
|
2mA to 8mA
|
tingling sensation becoming painful
|
|
8mA to 12mA
|
muscle spasms and pain
|
| 12mA to 20mA |
loss of control of
muscles, gripping of conductor |
| 20mA to 50mA |
breathing can stop |
| 50mA to 100mA |
heart may stop |
| 100mA to 200mA |
heart will stop |
| above 200mA |
severe burning |
|
