What statement best describes a short circuit?

What statement best describes a short circuit?

• A. An open circuit that stops current.
• B. Direct path from the negative to the positive terminal with little resistance.
• C. A device that increases resistance in the circuit.
• D. A switch that prevents current flow.

Answer: (B)

A short circuit happens when current finds an unexpectedly easy path back to the power source, bypassing the intended load. The statement that best describes this is a direct path from the negative to the positive terminal with little resistance. When there’s a low-resistance shortcut, the current skyrockets (I = V/R), since the supply pushes as much current as the circuit allows. That surge can overheat wires, blow fuses, or damage components. The other scenarios describe no current flow or current limited or interrupted by resistance or a switch, which do not capture the bypassing path that makes a short circuit dangerous.

A short circuit happens when current finds an unexpectedly easy path back to the power source, bypassing the intended load. The statement that best describes this is a direct path from the negative to the positive terminal with little resistance. When there’s a low-resistance shortcut, the current skyrockets (I = V/R), since the supply pushes as much current as the circuit allows. That surge can overheat wires, blow fuses, or damage components. The other scenarios describe no current flow or current limited or interrupted by resistance or a switch, which do not capture the bypassing path that makes a short circuit dangerous.