Can You Tell...
Electricity and Magnetism
Level
2
Why don't birds get electrocuted when they land on electrical wires?
Because birds usually sit on only one wire and do not complete the circuit
Because birds' claws are made up of special insulating material
Because water or other fluids are not present in their claws to conduct electricity
None of the above
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1 solution
Here is the explanation...
To be 'electrocuted' you must be part of a complete circuit. You must touch both a positive wire, and a negative or neutral wire. If the bird was touching the ground, the ground would act as a neutral wire and the current would flow through the bird (i.e. electrocuting it). If the bird was sitting on the wire and touched the metal of the pylon or another wire, it would also complete a circuit and get electrocuted. Because the bird is only sitting on one wire, it is safe.
For more details watch this video .