Chapter 27, Problem 51EAP

The conducting path between the right hand and the left hand can be modeled as a 10-cm-diameter, 160-cm-long cylinder. The average resistivity of the interior of the human body is $5.0\Omega \text{m}$ . Dry skin has a much higher resistivity, but skin resistance can be made negligible by soaking the hands in salt water. If skin resistance is neglected, what potential difference between the hands is needed for a lethal shock of 100 mA across the chest? Your result shows that even small potential differences can produce dangerous currents when the skin is wet.