Final answer:
Severe electrical shock impacts the body, particularly the heart by possibly causing ventricular fibrillation, and may lead to severe issues including death. The affect it has depends on the current's amount, path, duration, and frequency. Protective measures can reduce the risk of experiencing a severe electric shock.
Step-by-step explanation:
Severe electrical shock may affect various bodily functions, with the heart being particularly susceptible. It may disrupt the electrical patterns of the heart, leading to irregular and ineffective beats, a condition known as “ventricular fibrillation.” This condition can be fatal due to impaired blood circulation. Furthermore, if the current flowing through the body exceeds about 300 mA, it can cause burns, especially if the current is concentrated in a specific area.
The severity of an electric shock can also depend on factors such as the amount of current (“I”), the path the current takes through the body, the duration of the shock, and the frequency of the current. For instance, higher frequency currents tend to stay on the skin's surface, which reduces the risk to internal organs like the heart, while lower frequencies, especially those near the common 50- or 60-Hz used in households, are more dangerous. Protective measures like wearing insulating shoes can prevent creating a path for electricity and thereby reduce the risk of shock.