Question

What is the order of magnitude of the resistance of a dry human body?
A. $10\Omega$
B. ${10^4}\Omega$
C. $10M\Omega$
D. $10\mu \Omega$

Answer 1

In this question, we can find the resistance of a human body before electrocution. It is of the order of $k\Omega$. Dry human body has the highest order of resistance and wet and broken skin has the minimum resistance.

Complete step-by-step solution:
When current passes through the body, then injury depends on the density of the current, tissue resistance and duration of contact. Stronger current is fatal and becomes the cause of death. If death is caused from electric shock, then it is referred to as electrocution.
According to the Ohm’s law, the current drawn depends upon the resistance of the body. There is a big variation of human skin resistance from person to person. It also depends upon the different times of the day.
In dry human body (human skin) the resistance will be highest and may be equal to ${10^4}\Omega$.
Hence, option B is correct.

Additional Information: - A dry human body has ${10^4}\Omega$ order of magnitude of resistance. Whereas wet or broken skin has $1000\Omega$order of magnitude of resistance. It depends on the voltage which is necessary for electrocution.
A high voltage electrical energy quickly breaks down the human skin which reduces the human body’s resistance.
There are many factors which affect the order of resistance of human skin. They are- intensity, duration, history, frequency of the electrical stimulus, temperature, sweat glands etc.

Note:- A dry body has the highest resistance which is fluctuated during the day. It also varies from person to person. So, there is no definite value of it.