Voltage in a Short Circuit
In a short circuit, the voltage across the shorted path is approximately 0 volts.
Why?
A short circuit means the resistance is almost zero. Using Ohm’s Law:
V = I × R
- If R ≈ 0, then V ≈ 0
- So the voltage drop across the short is nearly zero
Summary
- The current becomes very large (theoretically infinite, but practically limited by internal resistance)
- This is why short circuits are dangerous—they can cause overheating, sparks, or damage
- Normal circuit → voltage drops across components
- Short circuit → voltage collapses across the short path (≈ 0 V), but current shoots up