A farmer in a tractor accidentally touches a live power line with a metal arm on the tractor used to move hay bales, but she does not get a shock. Explain why the farmer is not electrocuted. Explain what she should do next to avoid electrocution.
2007-05-02 16:33:36 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
the tractor is insulated from the ground by the rubber tires. To complete the electrical circuit you need a grounding source. She sould move the tractor away from the wire if possible. When exiting the tractor she should 1 not lower the hay spike (It would provide a grounding source) 2 jump from the tractor as to not touch the tractor ang the ground at the same time. Even if the tractor is not still touching the wire there could be a charge stored in the tractor. 3 If not touching the wire get a metal pole and drop it so it will touch the tractor and the ground therefore discharging any electricity possibly stored in the tractor. If the tractor is still touching the wire call the electric company to shut the power off.
2007-05-02 16:48:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A "shock" is the result of the electric current completing the circuit through the body to another different potential - usually ground.
In your example, the tractor is the conductor that is completing the circuit and not the operator. The operator should continue away from the line to avoid the possibility of the line breaking loose and falling - as long as she is not providing a path to ground, she will be OK.
Jumping from the tractor and being extremely careful not to make contact with the tractor once on the ground would leave the tractor nothing more than an accident waiting for some innocent bystander to make contact with it.
2007-05-02 16:54:28 · answer #2 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be better for this farmer to continue to operate the tractor on past the electrical hazard, then dismount the machine. This would take the tractor out of danger and allow safe continuance at a later time when the appropriate people repair the power line. It is true , however, if the person stepped off the machine whilst it was still energized, a very dangerous current could cause electrocution or heart attack .
2007-05-02 16:51:05 · answer #3 · answered by butch 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She is not grounded. You could grab a 100000 volt wire as long as your not grounded, you won't feel anything. Thats why birds can land on high voltage power lines with no trouble.
She should jump free of the tractor before touching the ground. Don't touch the tractor and the ground at the same time.
2007-05-02 16:38:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
tractors have rubber tires (big insulator) bulldozers have steel track= ZAP!!! with the tractor , no complete circuit tomground (return path). thats why birds can sit on power lines and not get electrocuted
2007-05-02 16:41:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The farmer is in the accident, she..his wife, is at home making dinner.
She shouldn't contact any electrical outlet (like plugging in the kettle), with wet hands in the kitchen.
2007-05-02 16:40:47 · answer #6 · answered by Norrie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The farmer is not part of the circuit relaying the current.
2007-05-02 16:38:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋