Why is an appliance cord with a three-prong plug safer

Chapter 19, Problem 13MCQ

(choose chapter or problem)

Problem 13MCQ

Why is an appliance cord with a three-prong plug safer than one with two prongs?

(a) The 120 V from the outlet is split among three wires, so it isn’t as high a voltage as when it is only split

between two wires.

(b) Three prongs fasten more securely to the wall outlet.

(c) The third prong grounds the case, so the case cannot reach a high voltage.

(d) The third prong acts as a ground wire, so the electrons have an easier time leaving the appliance. As

a result, fewer electrons build up in the appliance.

(e) The third prong controls the capacitance of the appliance, so it can’t build up a high voltage.