Chapter 34, Problem 16A

Why is it that a bird can perch without harm on a high-voltage wire?

To determine

To Explain: A bird can perch without harm on a high-voltage wire.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Charges flow when there is a difference between the electric potential of the two ends of the conducting wire.

A bird can perch on a high-voltage wire without any harm because there is no potential difference between the two points of contact. So, no current flows through the bird.

Conclusion:

As there is no potential difference between the two points of contact of the bird, it can perch unharmed on the high-voltage wire.