If a live wire fell into the middle of a lake, how close could you swim to it before feeling the current? Before being electricuted? Is there a fomula for resistance in fresh water?
2007-08-23 17:01:34 · 4 answers · asked by superbird 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Conductivity varies widely based on dissolved salt content. It would actually be safer if the water were much saltier than your blood (like in the sea) since the current would tend to stay in the medium of higher conductivity, flowing around you body.
2007-08-27 15:29:04 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would depend upon its depth and purity. In shallow water it would ground out to the bottom. But generally the electric field around the wire would be calculated by Gauss' Law and the voltage would be calculated by integrating the electric field function.
2007-08-29 05:55:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the fresh water is distilled it is an insulator.
2007-08-27 14:18:59 · answer #3 · answered by johnandeileen2000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats a great question and how far through salt water?
2007-08-23 17:05:12 · answer #4 · answered by uhkafee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋