Why? For current to flow, it must overcome the body’s resistance, which requires sufficient voltage. A car battery’s 12 volts simply aren’t strong enough to push enough current through the body.

which defines the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance. If we know two out of the three, we can calculate the unknown. This is the underlying principle behind the current shunt.

Batteries, whether they’re small enough to power your smartwatch or big enough to run an all-electric pickup truck provide direct current (DC), but in EVs, many drive motors run on alternating current ...

Laura is an Assistant Editor for The Scientist. She has a background in microbiology. Her science communication work spans journalism and public engagement.

A direct current flows in only one direction. On a voltage-time graph this would appear as a straight horizontal line at a constant voltage. Car batteries, dry cells and solar cells all provide a ...

Injuries from low voltage shocks are most likely to be superficial, whereas prolonged exposure to electrical current may cause deeper burns. Secondary injuries can occur following an electric shock.

Compared to analog voltage signals or digital communication, the current loop provides several advantages. This project ...