What happens in a short circuit regarding current flow?

In a short circuit, the key characteristic is that the electrical current takes an unintended path with significantly lower resistance compared to the normal pathway of the circuit. This means that the majority of the current bypasses the full resistance that would normally be encountered in the entire circuit.

When a short circuit occurs, the current can flow through the low-resistance path almost exclusively, allowing for a significantly higher current flow than intended. This is because the resistive elements that would typically limit current are effectively ignored, leading to the assertion that current does not flow through the resistance of the full circuit.

Understanding this phenomenon is crucial as it underlines the dangers associated with short circuits, including the potential for overheating and equipment damage due to excessive current levels.