Question

give the meaning of the terms "short circuiting" and "overloading" in an electric circuit?

Answer 1

When current in a circuit takes unintended path we call it short circuiting. For example, in a torch circuit if somehow the two terminals of the bulb touch each other the bulb will not glow. Also if somehow the two terminals of the battery touch each other the torch won't work. This condition is called short circuiting.


A large amount of current is withdrawn from the circuit, when a large number of electrical appliances of high power-rating are switched on at the same time or connected in a single multi-plug. This situation is called overloading.

Answer 2

Electrical circuits are designed to handle a limited amount of electricity. An overload occurs when you draw more electricity than a circuit can safely handle.  If there were no breaker in the circuit, an overload would cause the circuit wiring to overheat, which could melt the wire insulation and lead to a fire.