Mike Clinton
Introduction: The Mystery of Birds on Wires
Have you ever wondered why birds are able to perch on high voltage power lines without getting electrocuted? This is a mystery that has puzzled scientists and laypersons alike for a long time. It seems counterintuitive that birds, with their small bodies and seemingly delicate feet, can withstand the dangers of high voltage electricity. In this article, we will explore the science behind why birds are immune to electrocution when they stand on wires.
Understanding Electricity: Current and Resistance
In order to understand why birds don’t get electrocuted, we must first understand how electricity works. Electric current is the movement of electrons through a conductor, such as a wire. The amount of current that flows through a conductor is determined by its resistance, which is the degree to which the conductor opposes the flow of electrons. When an object comes into contact with an electrical conductor, electricity will flow through the object if the object has a lower resistance than the conductor. If the object has a higher resistance than the conductor, the electricity will flow around the object instead.