2006-07-28 23:10:09 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Because it's not grounded. If it were touching the wire and ground at the same time it would get zapped.
2006-07-28 23:14:35 · answer #1 · answered by FastEddie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A bird sitting on a wire does not get electrocated because the potential difference across the ends of the wire(ends of the pole) is maintained the same.For getting electrocated there must be a potential difference.In the same case when the two wires which are parallel get connected due to some external factors such as winds,etc, there will be a pd created in the wire.That is why bird sitting on a live power line does not get electrocated.
2006-07-29 07:16:15 · answer #2 · answered by vichu_harrypotter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because in order for current to flow the circuit must be completed. The bird would need to reach out its wing and touch "ground" in order for the voltage to drive a current through him. If he simply lands on the cable he becomes charged up because of the wire voltage but can't discharge without a second connection.
Thats why they tell you if you're ever in an earthquake in CA (or anywhere) and live power lines fall across your car, you can still get out but you need to be careful.....
Since your car's metal body is supported off the road (ground) by the insulating rubber tires, you will only be electrcuted if part of your body spans the gap between the metal car frame and the ground, as you would if you put your foot to the ground while still touching the car.
Therefore, the way to get out is to open the door, stand in the door way of the car and then jump up and out, clear of the car before you hit the ground. As long as you are never in contact with the car AND the ground at the same time the circuit is never completed so no current flows. Just like the bird on the wore you need to touch the high voltage AND a ground point to be electrocuted
2006-07-29 06:22:39 · answer #3 · answered by Taoman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A living body can only be electrocuted if the body is in contact with both the wire and the ground at the same time. This allows the power to pass from the wire, through the body and to the ground which completes an electrical loop/circuit and the current going through the body electrocutes the body, causing shock and death.
2006-07-29 06:21:43 · answer #4 · answered by Trakreppa5 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All very good answers, if you're still stuck think of this.
You are taking a shower you are relaxing in a water stream thats about 105 degrees fahr.
sudenly someone uses water in another area of the house. Tthe hot water plummets and a rush of very cold water takes the warm waters place. The difference in temperature send a thermal shock thru your body.
the bird perched on the wire is like the person in the warm shower. It's not until he grounds himself that the difference is seen. Rather than thermal shock he goes through electric shock.
2006-07-29 07:45:45 · answer #5 · answered by greatire 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
The answer to you question is very simply and accurate...
"The amount of electric current flowing through the bird on the live wire will be much less when compared to the amount of electricity flowing through the live power line."
2006-07-29 06:16:10 · answer #6 · answered by Good Samaritan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bird is on 1 side of the circuit,to get electrocuted you have to complete the circuit.A ground,think of a circle.
2006-07-30 10:38:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
f0r current to flow thru a bird the bird should have contact with live and neutral wires at the same time, sitting only on the live wire will not do anything to it.
2006-07-29 06:14:02 · answer #8 · answered by ajax_oriion 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it is not touching the ground to make a complete flow of electricity.
2006-07-29 06:35:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it's legs are to short, it needs one leg on the live wire and one leg on the ground.
2006-07-29 06:14:40 · answer #10 · answered by acid tongue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋