How does time factor into the severity of an electric shock?

Longer exposure to an electric shock significantly increases the risk of severe injury or fatality. When an electric current passes through the body, the potential for damage escalates with the duration of exposure. This is because the longer the body is in contact with the electrical source, the greater the amount of current that can flow through vital organs, such as the heart, and the more heat that can build up in the tissues.

Additionally, prolonged exposure can lead to more extensive tissue damage, increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias, and other dangerous outcomes such as respiratory failure. Understanding this relationship is crucial for anyone working with or near electrical systems, as it emphasizes the importance of quick response and safety measures to minimize exposure in hazardous situations.

In contrast, the other choices suggest either a decreased risk with longer exposure or that time has no impact, which do not align with the fundamental principles of electrical safety and physiology regarding electric shock.