Why is it dangerous to mix water and electricity?

Mixing water and electricity is dangerous because water is a good conductor of electricity, increasing the risk of electrocution.

Water, especially when it's not pure, contains impurities like salts and minerals that make it an excellent conductor of electricity. This means that if you come into contact with water that is also in contact with an electrical source, the electrical current can pass through the water and through you, leading to electrocution. This can cause serious injury or even be fatal.

Electricity always follows the path of least resistance. In a typical electrical circuit, this path is through the wires and components that make up the circuit. However, if water is introduced, the electricity can deviate from its intended path and follow the path through the water instead. If a person happens to be in contact with this water, the electricity can pass through their body. This is because the human body, which is made up of about 60% water, is also a good conductor of electricity.

The severity of an electric shock can vary depending on several factors. These include the amount of current, the path the electricity takes through the body, the duration of exposure, and the voltage of the electricity. Even a small amount of current can be dangerous if it passes through vital organs, such as the heart or brain.

In addition, water can also cause electrical equipment to short circuit. This happens when electricity bypasses the normal path in a circuit and instead flows along a different, unintended path. This can cause the equipment to malfunction, potentially leading to a fire or explosion.

Therefore, it's crucial to keep electrical equipment away from water and to ensure that your hands and surroundings are dry when handling electrical devices. Always remember, safety first when dealing with electricity.