Need an explanation of this... please

[PillaDoubleG]

This is the beginners section, so please dumb your answers down, if possible...
In this video by styropyro (), he makes a "tesla coil" that produces a terrifying flame-like arc. The video is super interesting, I would definitely recommend it to everyone. In the end though, he mentions that the circuit oscillates at about 10mhz (if I remember correctly), but he also states that the output of the arc would instantly kill you.

He then mentioned that a coil lacking isolation (no secondary coil) is deadly, no matter the frequency.
From what I know, if the frequency of a circuit is above 20khz, it stops hurting, because the magnetic poles flip too fast for our nerves to detect them. Obviously there are other factors, but...

Why does this arc kill? And how?

Usually, a serious electric shock (if all of the conditions are right) would make your heart stop beating. So what would be the cause of death from this coil? Since it's high frequency, I don't see how the heart could be affected by it.

I tried to word this as best as I can. Sorry if I forgot to mention something.
Thanks in advance!!!

[Andy Chee]

When he mentions lack of isolation, I'm going to guess that a step up auto transformer (b) is involved somewhere in his circuit topology:



In which case, touching the arc would connect you directly to mains, and it is the mains current (superimposed on the arc) that kills you.

But even if isolated, the high frequency high voltage can still cause harmful burns, which creates scar tissue within the flesh (ever see those wood burning videos using microwave oven transformers? Imagine that occurring within your flesh).  If that scar tissue happens to take a path across your heart, it could also cause heart fibrillation.

[MarkT]

In the end though, he mentions that the circuit oscillates at about 10mhz (if I remember correctly), but he also states that the output of the arc would instantly kill you.

I think you mean 10MHz, 10mHz would be very very slow indeed, you'd be able to stroll out of the way!