Final answer:
A portable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) must trip when it detects a fault in the circuit to prevent electrical hazards and protect people from electric shock.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is option Physics. A portable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) must trip when it detects a fault in the circuit. This is to prevent the risk of electric shock and protect people from electrical hazards.
The GFCI compares the currents in the live/hot and neutral wires and will trip if their difference exceeds a safe value, indicating a fault in the circuit. This safety device is commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens where the risk of electric shock is higher.
The correct answer is that a portable Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) must trip when it detects a difference between the currents in the live/hot and neutral wires that exceeds a safe value, generally set at 5 milliamperes (mA). The GFCI works on the principle of electromagnetic induction to prevent electrical shocks.
It monitors the amount of current flowing from hot to neutral and if an imbalance occurs, this implies that some of the current is flowing along an unintended path, possibly through a person, which could result in an electric shock. If the leakage current exceeds the safety threshold, the GFCI reacts quickly by interrupting the circuit to prevent harm.
This safety mechanism is particularly important in areas with a higher risk of electric shock such as bathrooms and kitchens where the use of electrical appliances in close proximity to water increases the danger.
Essentially, the presence of a GFCI is crucial in modern electrical systems to protect against the dangers of electric shock, and its rapid response to irregularities in the electric current flow ensures the safety of individuals using electrical devices.