Physics › Section O · Current and circuits › Topic O.4
AC versus DC, electric hazards, and nerve signals
The outlet in your wall does not deliver a steady current: in the US it runs through sixty full cycles a second, reversing direction twice in each. This topic explains how alternating current is described, why the grid uses it, what makes electricity dangerous to the body, and how the body's own nerves run on electrical signals.
In this topic
- Direct and alternating current
- Root mean square values
- Worked example: a hair dryer
- Why the grid uses AC
- Worked example: transmission losses
- Thermal hazards
- Shock hazards
- Worked example: dry and wet skin
- Nerve cells and the resting potential
- Action potentials and myelin
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
This topic is part of Wuanberri Pro. Checking your access…