What is the relationship between voltage and current in a short circuit?

In a short circuit, the relationship between voltage and current is characterized by a dramatic increase in current. This occurs because a short circuit provides a path of very low resistance for the electric current to flow through. According to Ohm's law, which states that current (I) is equal to voltage (V) divided by resistance (R), reducing the resistance to near zero leads to an extremely high current for any given voltage.

In the case of a short circuit, the voltage from the power source remains relatively constant, but the resistance is so low that the resulting current can exceed the normal operating limits of the circuit, potentially causing damage or triggering protective mechanisms like circuit breakers. Therefore, the significant increase in current during a short circuit is a direct result of the minimal resistance encountered by the electrical flow, illustrating the fundamental principles of electricity and circuit behavior.