What is a key factor in determining the severity of an electric shock?

The severity of an electric shock is significantly influenced by the duration of contact with the electrical source. When a person is in contact with an electrical source for an extended period, the amount of current that can pass through the body increases. This extended exposure can lead to more severe physiological effects, including potential damage to internal organs, disruption of the heart's normal activity, and greater risk of fatality.

While other factors such as the position of the person during the shock, the type of electrical circuit, and the condition of the skin can also play roles in the overall impact of the electric shock, the length of time one is exposed to the electrical source primarily determines how much current flows through the body and, consequently, the severity of the injury.