True or False: Wet skin decreases the body's resistance to electricity.

True or False: Wet skin decreases the body's resistance to electricity.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only in high humidity
• D. Only with direct contact

Answer: (A)

Wet skin does indeed decrease the body's resistance to electricity, making it easier for an electric current to flow through a person. When skin is dry, it typically has a higher resistance, meaning it can inhibit the flow of electrical current. However, when skin is wet, the moisture creates a path for electricity to travel more readily. This is due to the conductive properties of water, especially when it contains impurities such as salts, which further enhance conductivity. In practical terms, this understanding is crucial for safety around electrical equipment and in environments where water is present. Knowledge of how wet skin affects electrical resistance informs guidelines and safety protocols to prevent electric shocks or other injuries. While the other options suggest conditions under which resistance might change, they do not fully capture the broader principle that wet skin universally decreases resistance regardless of specific circumstances related to humidity or contact type.

Wet skin does indeed decrease the body's resistance to electricity, making it easier for an electric current to flow through a person. When skin is dry, it typically has a higher resistance, meaning it can inhibit the flow of electrical current. However, when skin is wet, the moisture creates a path for electricity to travel more readily. This is due to the conductive properties of water, especially when it contains impurities such as salts, which further enhance conductivity.

In practical terms, this understanding is crucial for safety around electrical equipment and in environments where water is present. Knowledge of how wet skin affects electrical resistance informs guidelines and safety protocols to prevent electric shocks or other injuries.

While the other options suggest conditions under which resistance might change, they do not fully capture the broader principle that wet skin universally decreases resistance regardless of specific circumstances related to humidity or contact type.