How does the current behave in a short circuit?

In a short circuit scenario, the current experiences a significant increase. This occurs because a short circuit creates a path of very low resistance in a circuit, allowing the electric current to flow more freely. When the resistance drops, Ohm's Law, which states that current (I) is equal to voltage (V) divided by resistance (R), indicates that if resistance decreases and voltage remains constant, the current must increase.

The characteristics of a short circuit include both the voltage across the circuit and the potential for very high currents, which can lead to overheating and potential damage to the circuit components. This increased current flow can also activate protective devices like circuit breakers or fuses, designed to interrupt the current flow and prevent hazardous situations.

The other options describe scenarios that do not align with the behavior of current during a short circuit. A halt in current flow or a reduction to zero does not occur because a short circuit typically results in a runaway current condition rather than an interruption. Maintaining a normal current flow is also inaccurate, as the very nature of a short circuit is that it deviates significantly from normal operation by allowing excessive current to occur.