Exam Question
What is a short circuit and how may a short circuit develop in: (16)
(a) A generator, and
(b) The external circuit, and what is the usual result in each case? How may the occurrence of short-circuit be minimized?
Class 4 (4th Engineer)
MET
📅 Mar 2023
Reference Answer
### Definition of a Short Circuit
A short circuit is an abnormal connection in an electrical circuit between two points of different potential, characterized by a very low impedance or resistance. According to Ohm's law, $$ I = \frac{V}{R} $$, when the resistance (R) approaches zero, the current (I) rises to an extremely high value, limited only by the source's fault capacity. This unintended path allows current to bypass the normal load, leading to excessive current flow. The context defines it as a circuit of lower resistance than a normal circuit, resulting from unintended contact of components and consequent accidental diversion of the current.
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### (a) Short Circuit in a Generator
A short circuit is an abnormal connection in an electrical circuit between two points of different potential, characterized by a very low impedance or resistance. According to Ohm's law, $$ I = \frac{V}{R} $$, when the resistance (R) approaches zero, the current (I) rises to an extremely high value, limited only by the source's fault capacity. This unintended path allows current to bypass the normal load, leading to excessive current flow. The context defines it as a circuit of lower resistance than a normal circuit, resulting from unintended contact of components and consequent accidental diversion of the current.
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### (a) Short Circuit in a Generator
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