NCERT Physics Notes: Difference Between Open and Closed Circuit
In a circuit, a cell or a battery is the source of current. The flow of current occurs only when there is a potential difference between the two electrodes of the cell.
When a metallic conductor is connected between the two electrodes, there is a flow of current.
A continuous conducting path between the two terminals of a battery(source of electric energy)is called an electric circuit.
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The connecting wires of a circuit are generally copper wires with very low resistance.
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Open Circuit
The circuit is said to be an open circuit if the current flowing through it is zero. This occurs when there is a break in the conducting path.
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If an insulator is placed in the circuit's path, it is said to be an open circuit.
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An open circuit can be assumed to have infinite resistance.
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A switch or a key is used to change a closed circuit into an open circuit.
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The circuit is said to be a closed circuit if current flows in the circuit; that is, there is a continuous conducting path between the battery's terminals.
Closed Circuit
The entire path in the circuit is conducting.
A closed-circuit can be assumed to have negligible resistance.
A switch or key is used to make an open circuit into a closed circuit