What might happen if wires were not protected with rubber or plastic?
A. The power source will no longer provide a flow of current
B. We would be harmed from electric shock
C. The circuit would be broken
D. The current will not flow
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What might happen if wires were not protected with rubber or plastic?
A. The power source will no longer provide a flow of current
B. We would be harmed from electric shock
C. The circuit would be broken
D. The current will not flow
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Answer:
B.
Explanation:
Electricity is very dangerous and can kill.
Perhaps the most important reason why electrical wires are covered in plastic is to protect people from electrical shock. Electricity is a dangerous form of energy and it can kill. Covering electrical wires in plastic guarantees that the electrons flowing through the wires will not flow through your body when the wire is touched. Studies show that only 0.05 amp of electric current can cause heart attack and skin damage and high probability of death.
Property Safety
Electrons flowing through a conductor or wire tend to generate heat from their high speed motion and the energy they need to move electrons from their valance shell to new atoms, creating current flow. The heat can build up and if surrounded by flammable materials such as wood, paper and sheet rock, it can ignite and cause fire. Plastic helps dissipate the heat as well as prevent the wire from getting too hot and causing fire.
Wire Insulation
Plastic does a great job of insulating the conductor used in electrical systems. Without plastic, hot and neutral wires cannot be run in the same conductor or same wire. another means would have to be developed to convey electricity safely to electrical devices. This would cause a great deal of hardship as well as consume a lot of finances to do it safely. Plastic does a great job of keeping the cost down, preventing electrical shock and preventing fire by helping dissipate heat properly.
Why Plastic?
Why can't electrical wires be covered with other materials known for their resistance to electrical current, such as wood or glass? The main reason plastic is used is because of its flexibility and ability to easily bend around corners and enter electrical boxes safely. It also has the great capability to dissipate heat, and is slow burning as well