Why Don't Birds Get Electrocuted When They Land on Electric Wires?

Question

AnimeKid15 · Answer

I’m curious

SmokeyBrown · Answer

To quote the article, "When a bird is perched on a single wire, its two feet are at the same electrical potential, so the electrons in the wires have no motivation to travel through the bird’s body." None of the electricity is actually passing through the bird's body in that position, although that could change if part of the bird happens to touch something they are not supposed to. Read more here: https://alum.mit.edu/slice/how-do-birds-sit-power-lines-without-getting-electrocuted

AnimeKid15 · Answer

wow so if I touch the wire ima get electrocuted ?

SmokeyBrown · Answer

@animekid15 wrote:

wow so if I touch the wire ima get electrocuted ?

If your feet were on the ground and you touched the wire with your hands, you would probably be electrocuted, yes. This is because the electric potential would be different at two points in your body, which would allow the electricity to pass through you.

AnimeKid15 · Answer

well I know not to do it thank u brown🙏

SmokeyBrown · Answer

No problem. Stay safe out there :)

AnimeKid15 · Answer

warning don’t touch the black wires hazards

AnimeKid15 · Answer

U stay safe man