Sharks can sense the electric field perturbation?

In summary, sharks have a special ability to sense electric fields through organs called ampullae of Lorenzini. This allows them to detect prey, navigate, and communicate with other sharks. All sharks have this ability, believed to be a primitive trait that has been present for millions of years. They can sense electric fields within a few feet of distance. Humans do not have this ability, but some other animals such as electric eels and certain fish do.
  • #1
HomogenousCow
737
213
Sharks use an organ known has the ampullae of Lorenzini to sense electric fields, they can sense fields as weak as 5*10^-9 V/m.
Which got me thinking, they should in principle be able to detect vacuum perturbation in the field, interesting?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
How did they found out such value?
 
  • #3
Not sure, but that's what I read on a bunch of websites.
I would assume they had a source at a long distance away?
 

FAQ: Sharks can sense the electric field perturbation?

How do sharks sense the electric field perturbation?

Sharks have special organs called ampullae of Lorenzini, which are small pores located near their mouths and on their heads. These organs contain sensory cells that can detect changes in the electric field around them.

Why do sharks have this ability?

This ability allows sharks to detect prey, even in murky water or when the prey is hiding. It also helps them navigate and communicate with other sharks.

Can all sharks sense the electric field perturbation?

Yes, all sharks have this ability. It is believed to be a primitive trait that has been present in sharks for millions of years.

How far can sharks sense the electric field perturbation?

This varies among different shark species, but on average, sharks can sense electric fields within a few feet of distance.

Can humans also sense the electric field perturbation?

No, humans do not have the same organs as sharks and therefore cannot sense the electric field perturbation. However, some animals such as electric eels and certain fish have similar abilities.

Similar threads

I Do Electric field lines propagate by themselves away from a charge?
3
Replies
73
Views
4K
I Is the Poynting Vector Field the Only Factor in Energy Flow in Circuits?
Replies
16
Views
2K
I Question regarding the use of Electric flux and Field Lines
Replies
25
Views
2K
When Electric Field is 0 is potential also 0?
Replies
3
Views
4K
Electric field within a battery
2
Replies
51
Views
7K
I Charging a small metal ball from a charged hollow sphere
Replies
4
Views
399
Potential Energy of an Electric Dipole in a Uniform Field
Replies
11
Views
3K
I Electric field of a moving charge that's abruptly stopped
Replies
2
Views
1K
Can a 3V/m Electric Field Detector Detect Someone on the Other Side of a Wall?
Replies
15
Views
2K
Electric field outside a parallel plate capacitor
Replies
7
Views
18K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top