True or False: Because the human body is composed of water, chemicals, and minerals, a person is an excellent conductor of electricity.

True or False: Because the human body is composed of water, chemicals, and minerals, a person is an excellent conductor of electricity.

• A. True
• B. Depends on temperature
• C. Only when wet
• D. False

Answer: (A)

Electric current flows through the body mainly because it is full of water with dissolved ions. Body fluids such as blood, interstitial fluid, and intracellular fluid are electrolyte solutions; the ions (sodium, potassium, chloride, etc.) move under an electric field and carry the current. That means the body provides conductive paths from one point to another, so it acts as a conductor. The outer skin can offer substantial resistance, especially when dry, which can limit current. When the skin is wet or damaged, the resistance drops and current can pass more easily through the body. Temperature can affect resistance somewhat, but the presence of water and electrolytes is the primary driver of conductivity in the body. So the statement is true: the human body is a conductor of electricity, relative to insulating air or most nonconductive materials.

Electric current flows through the body mainly because it is full of water with dissolved ions. Body fluids such as blood, interstitial fluid, and intracellular fluid are electrolyte solutions; the ions (sodium, potassium, chloride, etc.) move under an electric field and carry the current. That means the body provides conductive paths from one point to another, so it acts as a conductor.

The outer skin can offer substantial resistance, especially when dry, which can limit current. When the skin is wet or damaged, the resistance drops and current can pass more easily through the body. Temperature can affect resistance somewhat, but the presence of water and electrolytes is the primary driver of conductivity in the body.

So the statement is true: the human body is a conductor of electricity, relative to insulating air or most nonconductive materials.