For current flow to occur, what must be present?

Prepare for the IBEW Apprenticeship Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

For current flow to occur in an electrical circuit, a complete path must be present. This means that there is an unbroken loop allowing electric charge to move continuously from the power source, through the load (like a light bulb or motor), and back to the source.

In essence, the complete path ensures that the circuit is closed, enabling electrons to flow, thus powering devices. If the circuit were open—where there is a break or interruption—no current flow would take place. Similarly, a broken path would prevent current from flowing, and while parallel paths can exist in complex circuits, they alone do not ensure current flow without a complete circuit. Therefore, the requirement of a complete path is crucial for the functioning of any electrical circuit.

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