What is a significant factor in determining the severity of an electrical shock?

The duration of the current is a significant factor in determining the severity of an electrical shock because the longer the body is exposed to an electric current, the greater the potential for injury or harm. The human body can react differently to electrical current based on how long it is in contact with the source. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of serious injuries such as cardiac arrest, internal burns, or neurological damage, as the electrical current can disrupt normal heart rhythms and bodily functions.

Although the location of the shock can influence the outcome, it is the duration of exposure that plays a critical role in the severity of the injury. Other factors, such as the intensity of the current and the path it takes through the body, also contribute, but the duration remains a key element in assessing the hazard level associated with electric shock.