Final answer:
To apply a defibrillator with a 10.0-mA current across 500 ohms resistance during open-heart surgery, a voltage of 5 volts should be used, according to Ohm's Law.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked a question related to the application of a defibrillator during open-heart surgery. Specifically, the required voltage to pass a 10.0-mA current given a path resistance of 500 ohms. To determine the voltage, we use Ohm's Law, which states Voltage (V) = Current (I) × Resistance (R). In this case, the current (I) is 10.0 mA, which needs to be converted into amperes (A) by dividing by 1000, which results in 0.01 A. The resistance (R) is 500 ohms. So, the voltage that should be applied is V = 0.01 A × 500 Ω, which equals 5 volts.
It is crucial to understand that the application of electrical therapy such as defibrillation must take into account the path's resistance and the current needed to achieve the desired effect on the cardiac muscle. Special precautions are always necessary during such procedures to minimize the risks associated with electrical safety.