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The immediate cause of many deaths is ventricular fibrillation, uncoordinated quivering of the heart as opposed to proper beating. An electric shock to the chest can cause momentary paralysis of the heart muscle, after which the heart will sometimes start organized beating again. A defibrillator (Fig. 26.14) is a device that applies a strong electric shock to the chest over a time interval of a few milliseconds. The device contains a capacitor of several microfarads, charged to several thousand volts. Electrodes called paddles, about 8 cm across and coated with conducting paste, are held against the chest on both sides of the heart. Their handles are insulated to prevent injury to the operator, who calls, “Clear!’’ and pushes a button on one paddle to discharge the capacitor through the patient’s chest. Assume that energy of 300 J is to be delivered from a 30.0-%F capacitor. To what potential difference must it be charged? |
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