The electrical resistance of dry skin is 100 kΩ, but can be lowered to 20 Ω if electrode contact area is large and conducting gel is used on the skin. If Vmax of the defibrillatror 500 V and lasts 0.01 s, what is the maximum possible current delivered to the heart during defibrillation?

Question

Physics

Ezekiel Paul

5 March, 08:09

The electrical resistance of dry skin is 100 kΩ, but can be lowered to 20 Ω if electrode contact area is large and conducting gel is used on the skin. If Vmax of the defibrillatror 500 V and lasts 0.01 s, what is the maximum possible current delivered to the heart during defibrillation?

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Answers (1)

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Tamia Calderon · Answer 1

25 Ampers

Explanation:

As the current in a defibrillation is DC (Direct current), we can use simply the Ohm's law which shows:

V=I*R

Then if we want to know the current, we can follow the next step for I:

I=V/R

Using the information, and asumming electrode contact area is large and conducting gel is used on the skin (as is normal), we can solve:

Imax=Vmax/R

Imax = 500 V / 20 ohms

Imax = 25 Ampers

*Fact: The time in this case doesn't make any difference in the result.