A gardener is standing on damp soil next to a metal fence that is set deep into the ground. While holding the metal fence post with one hand, the gardener holds a mains-operated hedge trimmer in the other hand. The insulation of the power cable on the hedge trimmer is damaged, exposing the live wire which makes contact with the trimmer's metal casing.
What is the primary danger presented to the gardener in this situation?
A large electrical current could pass through the gardener's body to the earth through the metal fence, causing electrocution.
The current flowing through the metal fence could quickly heat it to high temperatures, causing severe thermal burns.
The sudden surge in current will cause the hedge trimmer's motor to spin at dangerous speeds.
The current will blow the mains fuse, which immediately completely destroys the trimmer's internal electronics.
135 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics Electrical safety, covering Electrical safety. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.