Calculate the potential difference across the body of bird using expression for resistance

of the conductor and use the relation between voltage, current and resistance of the
conductor.

The resistance of the wire between birds feet is,

rL
R=
A
Here, the resistivity is r , length of the wire between birds feet is L, and area of cross
section of wire is A.

Area of cross section of the is,

A = p r2
Here, r is the radius of the wire.

Radius of the wire is twice the diameter.

D = 2r

Rearrange the equation D = 2r for r

D
r=
2

D
Substitute r = in the equation A = p r 2 .
2
2
D
A=p
2
p D2
=
4

pd2 rL
Substitute for A in the equation R = .
4 A
rL
R=
A
r L
2
pd
=
4
4r L
=
pd2

Substitute the values 1.7 10-8 W m for r , 4.0 10-2 m for L, and 2.2 10-2 m for A.
4 ( 1.7 10
W-8
m ) ( 4.0 10 -2 m )
R=
p ( 2.2 10-2 m )
2

= 1.788 10-6 W

Voltage across the birds feet is the product of current ( I ) and resistance ( R ) across the
feet.
V = IR

Substitute 50 A for I and 1.788 10-6 W for R

DV = ( 50 A ) ( 1.788 10 -6 W )
= 89.4 10-6 W
1 m V
= ( 89.4 10 -6 W ) -6
10 W
= 89.4 m V

Therefore, potential difference across the birds feet is 89.4 m V