Animals and Current Electricity

In summary, the conversation discusses two questions related to electricity. The first question is about the reason why a cow experiences a mild shock when touching an electric fence. The second question is about how birds can perch on high-voltage lines without getting injured. The response to the second question explains that the electricity does not flow through the bird as there is no connection to the ground. The same reasoning applies to the cow, but in this case, the electricity flows through its skin and down to the ground, causing a shock. The conversation also mentions that AC current has a frequency of 50Hz because it is less painful for humans. However, the speaker is unsure and asks for correction.
  • #1
Soaring Crane
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I was glancing at a physics book, and two questions in the electricity section caught my eye.

Why does a cow that touches an electric fence experience a mild shock?

Why can birds perch on high-voltage lines without being injured?

For the second one, I believe it is that their "feet" are better insulated. (Don't some die, however?) What about the first one?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
The one about the bird...

It can perch on one wire without being electrocuted as there is no reason why the electricity should flow through the bird. If the bird was touching the ground as well as the wire current would flow through the bird to be earthed in the ground. Standing on a single wire does not let this happen.

The same reason goes for the cow, current flows through his skin and down through his leg into the Earth and this stimulates the pain receptors and the muscles which give it a shock.

Interestingly I was reading that AC current supplied to our houses has a frequency of 50Hz for the opposite reason to the cow one. Apparently our muscles respond (would resonate be the right word here?) worst to this frequency so we experience a lot less pain and we should be able to release a grip from whatever was giving us the shock.

Please correct me if I'm wrong I haven't quite got onto university physics yet.
 
  • #3


The reason a cow experiences a mild shock when touching an electric fence is because the cow's body is a conductor of electricity. When the cow touches the fence, it creates a complete circuit, allowing the electricity to flow through the cow's body and back into the ground. This flow of electricity can cause a mild shock sensation.

As for birds perching on high-voltage lines, they are able to do so without being injured because birds have a very high resistance to electricity. This means that they are not good conductors of electricity, so the current does not flow through their bodies. Additionally, birds have an adaptation called the Hall effect, which allows them to sense and avoid high-voltage areas.

While some birds may die from electrocution on high-voltage lines, it is usually due to their wingspan or other body parts coming into contact with multiple lines at once, creating a strong enough current to cause harm. Overall, birds are able to safely perch on high-voltage lines due to their natural resistance to electricity and their ability to sense and avoid dangerous areas.
 

1. How do animals produce and use electricity?

Some animals, such as electric eels and electric rays, have specialized cells called electrocytes that generate electricity. Other animals, like certain species of fish and insects, use specialized organs called electric organs to produce and use electricity. These electric organs contain large numbers of electrocytes and can generate stronger electric fields than individual electrocytes. Animals use electricity for various purposes such as communication, defense, and navigation.

2. Can animals be harmed by electricity?

Yes, animals can be harmed by electricity just like humans. Electric shocks can cause burns, muscle spasms, and even death in animals. Electricity can also interfere with the nervous system and disrupt normal bodily functions. However, some animals have evolved to be resistant to electric shocks, such as electric eels and electric fish.

3. How do animals detect and navigate using electricity?

Animals that use electricity for navigation, such as sharks and rays, have special sensory organs called ampullae of Lorenzini. These organs can detect weak electric fields produced by other animals or changes in the electric field of the surrounding environment. This helps them to locate prey, avoid obstacles, and navigate through their environment.

4. Do animals use electricity to communicate with each other?

Yes, some animals use electricity for communication. Electric fish, for example, can produce electric signals to communicate with other fish. These signals can convey information about the fish's species, sex, and social status. Some animals also use electricity to attract mates or to warn others of potential danger.

5. How is current electricity used in animal research?

Current electricity is used in animal research to study the effects of electric fields on different species, as well as to understand how animals use electricity for communication and navigation. Scientists also use electric currents to stimulate nerves and muscles in animals, which can provide insights into how these systems work. However, ethical considerations and regulations must be followed when using electricity in animal research.

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