2006-07-31 19:52:05 · 23 answers · asked by HOT CHICK 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
For the bird (or a power line worker) to be electrocuted, a potential difference must exist across two points of the bird's body (its feet in the case of a bird on a power line). When perching on a single power line, there is no potential difference between the bird's feet, so it is safe. If the bird (or other animal) touches two power lines at a time, or one power line and a ground (like a ground wire or the earth itself), the animal would be electrocuted and die. Many large birds (like eagles and vultures) are electrocuted when their wide wings touch a power line and a ground wire at the same time (often while flying in to land on a power line).
2006-07-31 19:56:45 · answer #1 · answered by Dominique W 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In order to get a shock you need to be earthed (i.e. connected to both the source being the wire and the ground) so the power can flow from one place to another.
If there is no connection to the ground (i.e. the bird is on the wire and not touching the ground, the wire is insulated from the pole so the power can't flow that way) the power can't get through the bird.
Electricity is like water and needs a path to travel from one place to another. If it has no where to travel it goes no where.
As long as the bird stays 'isolated' or 'insulated' from the ground (or a neutral but don't worry about that one for now) it can sit there for as long as it likes.
Amazing really.
2006-08-01 03:07:38 · answer #2 · answered by epod 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bird would have to stand on two seperate powerlines at the same time to get a shock. This is because there must be two currents running through the body at the same time to create a circuit -which causes the shock.
I think !
2006-08-01 02:58:32 · answer #3 · answered by ear help! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is because when the bird touches the live wire with their feet the current is transmitted through their body but since there is no earthing to complete the circuit, they don't get electric shock.
2006-08-01 03:00:57 · answer #4 · answered by iSurf 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they are standing on 1 line only. Take note that it takes 2 lines to close a circuit. If they will stand on 1 line and reach for the 2nd line, then they would be electrocuted
2006-08-01 03:27:35 · answer #5 · answered by lauskie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you touch a power line you wont get shocked. the real power is inside the outside calbe, so inother words the real shockers are inside the cable witch the birds stand on.
2006-08-01 02:57:18 · answer #6 · answered by Nick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it isn't grounded- there's nowhere for the electricity to flow.
If you were to stand on an insulator (eg a piece of polystyrene) and touch a power line, you'd be OK.
Note I do not recommend this, just in case I'm wrong about it.....
2006-08-01 02:57:07 · answer #7 · answered by Oli 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It only stand on one power line, which is perfectly safe because the electricity flows one way in incomplete circuit. They are not completely stupid to stand on two lines, because the gap between two power lines is too wide.
2006-08-01 03:11:35 · answer #8 · answered by Eve W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in order to complete a circut and recieve a shock, you must cross (or stand) on 2 of the lines at the same time. the lines are actually safe, its when you are near the pole or transformer that things can heat up.
2006-08-01 02:57:59 · answer #9 · answered by the prof 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a closed circuit for electricity to flow. It flows from the source to ground. The telephone wires are not grounded, therefore, there is not a complete path for current flow. If the bird had one foot on the wire and one foot on the ground, he would fry!
2006-08-01 02:57:09 · answer #10 · answered by iwilldebunkyou 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋