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Chapter 20: Q1-6CQ (page 731)

Why isn't a bird sitting on a high-voltage power line electrocuted? Contrast this with the situation in which a large bird hits two wires simultaneously with its wings.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Both legs of the bird sitting on an electric line are at the same potential. As a result, no current passes through its body, and it is not electrocuted.

When a bird with extended wings touches both lines at the same time, it creates a potential difference equal to the supply voltage across its wings. The bird is electrocuted as a result of the current flowing through it.

Step by step solution

01

Concepts and principles

The relation between current, potential difference, and resistance is as follows:

V = lR

Here V is the potential difference,lis current, andR is the resistance.

02

Explanation

Both legs of a bird perched on an electric line are at the same potential, that is, the supply voltage 110 V (or 200 V per the country standard).

As a result, no current passes through its body, and it is not electrocuted.

When a bird with extended wings touches both lines at the same time, it creates a potential difference equal to the supply voltage across its wings.

The bird is electrocuted as a result of the current flowing through it.

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