Question

A fan connected to a 120-volt electrical system by an extension cord was worn through and exposed the bare, energized conductor, which made contact with the ladder. The ground wire was not attached to the male end of the cord's plug. When the energized conductor made contact with the ladder, the path to ground included the worker's body, resulting in death. What contributed to the electrocution?

Answer 1

Answer: the ladder

Explanation: since the energized conductor is already in contact with the ladder there by making electric current to flow. The base of the ladder is on the ground there by making the circuit to be complete and causing electrocution.

Answer 2

Answer:

The worker completed the circuit.

Explanation:

Thinking process:

Electricity is the flow of electrons in a circuit. There is one condition for the electrons to flow - the completion of a circuit. In order for that to be established, there must be a side with low electron concentration or affinity for electrons.

The earth has an infinite affinity for electrons. Thus, earth wires are used to channel an excess amount of electrons there. This prevents the short circuiting injuring a person. Hence, a three-pin plug.

Because there was not insulation, like rubber, an alternative pathway could not be found for electrons. Hence the worker was electrocuted as the electric current passed through him.