What factor primarily determines the severity of an electrical shock?

The severity of an electrical shock is primarily determined by the intensity of electric current flow and its path through the body. This is critical because it's not just about how much voltage is present, but how that voltage interacts with the body when a person comes into contact with it.

When electrical current flows through the body, the amount of current, measured in amperes, directly impacts physiological effects. Generally, currents as low as 0.001 amperes can be felt, and above that, they can cause muscle contractions, difficulty breathing, cardiac arrest, or even death. The path the current takes through the body is also essential since it affects organ systems that can be affected. For instance, a current flowing through the heart or brain can be much more dangerous than one flowing through a finger.

While the voltage level can contribute to how much current flows through the body, it's the relationship between the voltage and resistance that ultimately determines the current intensity. The path the current takes plays an even more crucial role in determining the overall risk and severity of an electrical shock, which is why option C is the most accurate choice.