Safety and work practicesQuestion 549 of 1506

Why is a short circuit across a high-voltage source dangerous?

  1. High current can release large amounts of heat
  2. The voltage falls to zero and arcs form
  3. The current stops and the source overheats
  4. The resistance rises sharply
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Correct answer: High current can release large amounts of heat

Large current in a low resistance releases heat.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 1.5: Resistance

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026