A bird sitting on a bare high-voltage wire is not electrocuted because
A)of the high resistance of its body.
B)of no electrical potential difference across its body.
C)its body is at a low electric potential compared to the wire.
D)the high voltage across its feet produces a very small current.
If the bird stood on the wire with only one foot, it would
E)be electrocuted.
F)remain unharmed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

B) A bird is not electrocuted because there is no significant electrical potential difference across its body when it sits on a single wire. Electricity flows along paths of least resistance, and since both feet are at the same electrical potential, current does not flow through the bird's body.F) If a bird stood on the wire with only one foot, it would remain unharmed for the same reason: no potential difference across its body parts means no current flow through its body, thus it would not be electrocuted.

A Bird Sitting on a Bare High-Voltage Wire Is Not