The severity of an electrical shock is determined by the amount of what?

The severity of an electrical shock is primarily determined by the amount of current that flows through the body when it comes into contact with an electrical source. Current is measured in amperes (amps), and it is the flow of electrical charge that can cause physiological effects on the human body. The level of current can affect the degree of muscular stimulation, potential for burns, and overall impact on the cardiac system.

While voltage, resistance, and frequency all play essential roles in the context of electrical systems, they do not directly quantify the shock severity in the same way that current does. Voltage can influence how much current will flow through a given resistance, according to Ohm's Law (I = V/R), but it is the current that directly affects the body. Resistance, which can vary between individuals, is a factor but does not provide a direct measure of shock severity. Frequency is more relevant in specific contexts, such as the effects of alternating current on the human body, but again, it is the amount of current that ultimately determines the immediate physical effects of an electrical shock.