Question

Why is AC more dangerous than DC?

Answer 1

Hint: There are two types of current- AC current and DC current. AC current changes its magnitude and direction periodically while DC current has a fixed magnitude and direction. AC current is more dangerous than DC current because of several reasons. The frequency as well as the RMS value of AC can be very harmful.

Complete answer:
AC or alternating current is the current which changes its magnitude and direction periodically with time. While, the direct current or DC current is the current which has a magnitude and flows in one direction only.
AC current is said to be more dangerous than DC current because the root mean squared value of AC is much more than its original value. Also, the AC current can have a direct impact on our heart.
Our heart is driven by electric pulses; the high electric frequency of AC current can affect the frequency of the heart and can lead to a heart attack. When we come in contact with AC current, it can cause our muscles to contract and causes sweating due to which the resistance of our skin reduces. Due to decrease in resistance, more current will enter our body and will lead to death.
Therefore, AC current is more dangerous than DC current because it has a greater magnitude than its RMS value; it directly affects our heart as the frequency of AC current interferes with the frequency of the electric pulses of the heart. AC current reduces the resistance of our skin due to which a large current can enter our body.

Note:
The root mean squared value of AC current is taken as the average value. The AC current usually varies as a sinusoidal function. The number of oscillations completed in unit times is known as frequency. The human body acts as a conductor of electricity due to which both AC and DC current can cause immediate death.