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College Physics (Urone)
Found in: Page 731
College Physics (Urone)

College Physics (Urone)

Book edition 1st Edition
Author(s) Paul Peter Urone
Pages 1272 pages
ISBN 9781938168000

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Short Answer

Some surgery is performed with high-voltage electricity passing from a metal scalpel through the tissue being cut. Considering the nature of electric fields at the surface of conductors, why would you expect most of the current to flow from the sharp edge of the scalpel? Do you think high- or low-frequency AC is used?

The charge density is higher on the sharp edge. Human tissue is better off with a higher frequency.

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Step by Step Solution

TABLE OF CONTENTS :
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Step 1: Definition of Electricity

The presence and flow of electric charge are defined as electricity. We can transmit energy using electricity to allow us to perform simple tasks. The movement of electrons via conductors such as copper wires is the most well-known example. The term "electricity" is sometimes used to refer to "electrical energy."

Step 2: Explanation

The charge density on the conductor's surface is proportional to the electric field. Because the scalpel's tip is razor-sharp, it covers a tiny area, increasing charge density and causing the majority of the current to flow through it. Because it is safer for biological tissues, a high-frequency AC current is used.

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