What is a short circuit?

A short circuit refers to an unintended electrical path that provides minimal or no resistance, allowing current to flow freely. This situation occurs when the current bypasses the normal load of a circuit, which is typically where it would be used to power a device or component. Because the path has little resistance, it can lead to excessive current flow that can cause overheating, damage to components, or even fire hazards.

In contrast, an unintended increase in resistance typically does not fit the definition of a short circuit, as it would restrict current flow rather than increase it. Similarly, an electrical path with infinite resistance would not allow any current to flow at all. Finally, while a circuit that completes without any load might seem relevant, it does not specifically capture the essence of a short circuit, which fundamentally deals with the characteristics of resistance and current flow.