Question

The light beam from a searchlight may have an electric field magnitude of 1000 V>m, corresponding to a potential difference of 1500 V between the head and feet of a 1.5-m-tall person on whom the light shines. Does this cause the person to feel a strong electric shock? Why or why not?

Short answer

Electromagnetic waves have a weak intensity, so the answer is no.

Step-by-step solution

Formula for intensity of wave.

The intensity of a wave is calculated by the power of the wave divided by the area of the cross section

Conclusion.

The intensity of the wave will be ${\mathrm{I}}_{\max }=1/2{\mathrm{\epsilon }}_0{\mathrm{cE}}_{{\max }^2}=0.3\mathrm{W}/{\mathrm{cm}}^2$. It is very less intensity to induce any electrical shock to a person.