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At the time of short-circuit the current in the circuit
Explanation
A short circuit occurs when the live and neutral wires come into direct contact, often due to damaged insulation or appliance faults [c1]. According to Ohm's Law, current is inversely proportional to resistance [c2]. In a short circuit, the electricity finds a path of least resistance, bypassing the intended load [t1][t3]. Because the impedance or resistance of this new path drops to a value near zero, the current in the circuit abruptly and heavily increases [c1][t4][t6]. This abnormally high magnitude of current, often called fault current, leads to excessive Joule heating, which can melt wires, cause fires, or trigger protective devices like fuses and circuit breakers to break the circuit [c1][t4][t5]. Consequently, the defining characteristic of a short circuit is this sudden, massive surge in electrical current flow.
Sources
- [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current > 12.4 DOMESTIC ELECTRIC CIRCUITS > p. 205
- [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: Electricity > I = V/R (11.7) > p. 176