Define 'breakdown voltage' in electrical systems.

Breakdown voltage refers to the specific voltage level at which an insulating material can no longer resist electrical conduction and effectively becomes conductive. This phenomenon occurs when the electric field within the material becomes strong enough to free electrons, allowing current to flow through the previously insulating medium.

In practical terms, this concept is crucial for components such as capacitors or circuit boards, as exceeding the breakdown voltage can lead to failure of the insulation, resulting in short circuits, arcing, or damage to electronic components. Understanding breakdown voltage is essential for designing safe and reliable electrical systems, as it helps engineers determine the maximum voltage that can be applied without compromising the integrity of insulation materials.

The other options address different aspects of voltage in electrical systems but do not accurately capture the definition of breakdown voltage. For instance, mentioning short circuits pertains to circuit behavior at specific fault conditions, while the maximum voltage an appliance can handle focuses on the operational limits of electrical devices, not the behavior of insulating materials. Lastly, the minimum voltage for circuit operation is related to the performance of the circuit as a whole, rather than the specific point at which insulation breaks down.