If the internal resistance of the human body is taken to be 500 ohms, how much current could be made to flow through the body from an ordinary 120 volt AC power supply?

Prepare for the Biomedical Equipment Technician Certification Exam. Study with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations to ensure you're ready for your BMET exam.

To determine the amount of current that could flow through the human body using Ohm's Law, we use the formula:

Current (I) = Voltage (V) / Resistance (R)

In this context, the voltage from the AC power supply is 120 volts, and the resistance of the human body is considered to be 500 ohms. By substituting these values into the formula, we get:

I = 120 volts / 500 ohms = 0.24 ampere

This calculation indicates that a current of 0.24 ampere would flow through the body when connected to a 120-volt AC power supply, assuming the only resistance is that of the human body.

This outcome is significant because it highlights not only the mathematical relationship between voltage, current, and resistance but also emphasizes the potential dangers that come with electrical exposure, specifying that current levels above 0.1 to 0.2 amperes can be hazardous and even lethal under certain conditions.

The other options indicate lower current values or larger units (like milliampere), which do not accurately reflect the direct calculation derived from the given parameters of voltage and resistance. Understanding how to apply Ohm's Law in practical scenarios is crucial for a Biomedical

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