Electrolysis Practice Exam

What is the status of a circuit when there is a break in it, preventing current flow?

1. Closed

2. Shorted

3. Open

4. Bypassed

The correct answer is: Open

When there is a break in a circuit that prevents current from flowing, the circuit is defined as open. An open circuit occurs when the conductive path is interrupted, meaning electrons cannot move through the circuit and establish a flow of current. This can happen due to a physical disconnection, such as a switch being off or a broken wire, which creates a gap in the circuit. In contrast, a closed circuit allows current to flow uninterrupted through the pathway. A short circuit refers to an unintended path that allows current to bypass a component, often leading to excessive current flow, while bypassed would indicate that current is being redirected away from a particular pathway or component, usually intentionally. Thus, an open circuit is characterized specifically by the break that halts the flow of electricity entirely.