Which current level is typically associated with violent muscular contractions?

Which current level is typically associated with violent muscular contractions?

• A. 0.5 milliamp
• B. 2-10 milliamps
• C. 25 milliamps
• D. 100 milliamps

Answer: (C)

Current through the body drives nerve and muscle activity. At very small currents you might feel a tingling or nothing noticeable; as current increases, muscles begin to contract more strongly. Around the tens of milliamps, the contractions can become so forceful that you can’t let go or resist, producing violent muscular contractions. That’s why about 25 milliamps is the typical level associated with that effect. Lower values like 0.5 mA or 2–10 mA produce mild sensations or small twitches, not violent contractions. Higher levels, such as 100 mA, are especially dangerous and can cause serious outcomes like heart rhythm problems or respiratory arrest.

Current through the body drives nerve and muscle activity. At very small currents you might feel a tingling or nothing noticeable; as current increases, muscles begin to contract more strongly. Around the tens of milliamps, the contractions can become so forceful that you can’t let go or resist, producing violent muscular contractions. That’s why about 25 milliamps is the typical level associated with that effect. Lower values like 0.5 mA or 2–10 mA produce mild sensations or small twitches, not violent contractions. Higher levels, such as 100 mA, are especially dangerous and can cause serious outcomes like heart rhythm problems or respiratory arrest.