What does an open circuit mean?

An open circuit is characterized by a broken or interrupted path for current flow. In a circuit, electricity requires a continuous pathway to travel from a power source to the components that use that power, such as lights, motors, or electronic devices. When a circuit is open, this pathway is disrupted, preventing current from flowing. This condition can occur due to various reasons, such as a broken wire, a faulty connection, or a switch that is turned off.

In contrast, other options describe different circuit conditions. A complete path for current flow refers to a closed circuit where current can maintain its flow. A path where current can flow without resistance implies an ideal condition that does not occur in practical scenarios, as all materials have some degree of resistance. Lastly, a circuit with low resistance may still be closed and functional, whereas an open circuit inherently means there is no electrical flow at all. Therefore, the definition of an open circuit aligns directly with the idea of an interrupted pathway for current flow.