Which of the following properties is indicative of an open circuit?

Which of the following properties is indicative of an open circuit?

• A. Infinite resistance
• B. Circuit continuity
• C. Zero voltage
• D. Increased current

Answer: (A)

An open circuit is characterized by a break in the conducting path, meaning that electric current cannot flow. This is best defined by the property of infinite resistance. When a circuit is open, there is no complete path for the electrons to travel, resulting in a condition where resistance reaches an extremely high value, often treated as infinite. This condition aligns perfectly with the behavior of an open circuit since no current can pass through it. The other options present conditions that would not occur in an open circuit. Circuit continuity implies that the circuit is closed, allowing current to flow. Zero voltage would be unexpected in an open circuit, as the voltage across an open component tends to be at its maximum, not zero. An increase in current contradicts the definition of an open circuit, where current is absent entirely. Thus, the indication of infinite resistance is the hallmark property that accurately describes an open circuit.

An open circuit is characterized by a break in the conducting path, meaning that electric current cannot flow. This is best defined by the property of infinite resistance. When a circuit is open, there is no complete path for the electrons to travel, resulting in a condition where resistance reaches an extremely high value, often treated as infinite. This condition aligns perfectly with the behavior of an open circuit since no current can pass through it.

The other options present conditions that would not occur in an open circuit. Circuit continuity implies that the circuit is closed, allowing current to flow. Zero voltage would be unexpected in an open circuit, as the voltage across an open component tends to be at its maximum, not zero. An increase in current contradicts the definition of an open circuit, where current is absent entirely. Thus, the indication of infinite resistance is the hallmark property that accurately describes an open circuit.