Why is a wire necessary for tasers to deliver an electrical shock to the target?

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In summary, a wire is needed to carry the electrical current down the target in tasers because electric current consists of free electrons that make up the wire. It is difficult to create a strong enough electric field to ionize the air and efficiently conduct the current over several feet, as well as control the direction of the ionization path. This would also pose a safety hazard to the taser operator. Additionally, a closed circuit with two wires is necessary for the current to flow properly.
  • #1
Tio Barnabe
Why does a wire is needed for carrying the electrical current down the target in tasers?

Perhaps without the wire the elecrical current needs to be much more strong?

Why don't construct some kind of wireless taser that uses ultra-super-strong-electromagnetic pulse (which would make it as efficient as a conventional taser)?
 
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  • #2
Tio Barnabe said:
Why does a wire is needed for carrying out the electrical current down the target in tasers?

Why is a wire needed to carry current in your house? Or anywhere?
 
  • #3
Vanadium 50 said:
Why is a wire needed to carry current in your house? Or anywhere?
Because (in the case you mentioned) electric current consists of so called free electrons that make up the wire.

I wanted to ask if there is a way of constructing a taser so strong that the electrons are pulled into the air on their way to the target, i.e. a lightning like taser.
 
  • #4
I;m sorry, I thought you wanted to learn about how real circuits work. Carry on.
 
  • #5
In order to efficiently conduct an electrical current, the air would need to be ionized. In order to ionize the air, a VERY strong electric field is needed. Generating such a strong electric field over several feet is very difficult to do with a hand-held, battery operated device. In addition, this field would create ionization paths in randomly generated directions, much like how lightning is formed. This ionized path of plasma would easily conduct current, but the current would need to be high enough to keep the ionization path intact for the duration of the shock. The amount of current would be far more lethal than current tasers are. It would be impossible to control, almost impossible to generate, and entirely useless as a less-lethal device.
 
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  • #6
Not to mention a hazard to the taser operator !
 
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  • #7
Tio Barnabe said:
Why does a wire is needed for carrying the electrical current down the target in tasers?
You do realize that it takes two wires, right? The current does not return through the ground, the operators shoes and his unwitting body.
 
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  • #8
jbriggs444 said:
You do realize that it takes two wires, right? The current does not return through the ground, the operators shoes and his unwitting body.
Oh, yes. It should be a closed circuit taser-target-taser.
 

Related to Why is a wire necessary for tasers to deliver an electrical shock to the target?

1. How does an EM gun, also known as a taser, work?

An EM gun works by using compressed gas to fire two small darts, attached to thin wires, towards the target. These darts penetrate the skin and deliver an electric shock that disrupts the target's nervous system, causing temporary paralysis.

2. Are tasers safe to use?

Tasers are considered a non-lethal form of self-defense, but they are not completely risk-free. The electric shock delivered by tasers can cause serious injury or even death in rare cases, especially if the target has a pre-existing heart condition. It is important to use tasers responsibly and only as a last resort.

3. What are the effects of being hit by an EM gun?

When someone is hit by an EM gun, they typically experience temporary paralysis, loss of muscle control, and intense pain. In addition, the electric shock can cause involuntary muscle contractions, making it difficult for the target to move or resist. These effects usually wear off within a few minutes.

4. Do tasers have a limited range?

Yes, tasers have a limited range of around 15-25 feet. This is because the wires attached to the darts can only stretch so far before they become ineffective. It is important to get within this range in order to effectively use an EM gun.

5. Can tasers be used multiple times?

Yes, tasers can be used multiple times as long as there are still darts attached to the target. However, it is important to note that tasers have a limited number of shots and will need to be reloaded after use. Additionally, the darts must make contact with the target in order for the taser to be effective.

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