# What is a short circuit?

I know it happens when current flows between two terminals which have zero potential difference.

Can you guyz help me understand it in depth!

Note by Mayank Holmes
2 years, 5 months ago

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According to my high school knowledge, short circuit happens when the resistence is nearly zero between two terminals WITH potential difference. A large current resulted may overheat the device.

- 2 years, 5 months ago

but zero resistance itself implies that the potential difference is zero as per the eqn. v=r * i

- 2 years, 5 months ago

Potential difference should depend on the battery/power supply and is normally not zero. By V=I*R, as V>0 and R tends to 0, that makes I=V/R go very large.

- 2 years, 4 months ago

Your phrasing does not make sense. Please try rephrasing the question clearly

Staff - 2 years, 5 months ago

Short circuit means reduction in impedance. Current in the circuit flow according to source voltage.

Consider the current flow in an ideal wire.

- 2 years ago