Final Answer:
A short circuit is not a shock hazard primarily because short circuits do not inherently involve an increase in current flow through the human body.Thus the option b) Short circuits do not involve current flow is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Option (b) accurately addresses the nature of short circuits. A short circuit occurs when an unintended low-resistance path is created, leading to a rapid increase in current. However, contrary to the misconception that higher current automatically results in a shock hazard, the critical point is that short circuits divert current away from the normal path, often bypassing the human body.
The human body's resistance is generally much higher than the low-resistance path created by a short circuit, which means that the majority of the current will follow the path of least resistance rather than flowing through a person.
It's essential to understand that the severity of an electric shock depends on the amount of current passing through the body, the duration of the exposure, and the path the current takes. In a short circuit scenario, the low-resistance path typically has negligible resistance compared to the human body.
Therefore, while a short circuit poses risks of electrical fires and damage to devices due to increased current, the risk of electric shock to humans is relatively low. The primary concern with short circuits is their potential to cause fires and damage electronic equipment rather than being a direct shock hazard to individuals.
In conclusion, the correct understanding lies in recognizing that a short circuit, by itself, does not increase the risk of electric shock to humans. Option (b) accurately captures this concept, emphasizing that short circuits do not inherently involve increased current flow through the human body, thus minimizing the direct shock hazard to individuals.
Thus the option b) Short circuits do not involve current flow is correct.