The path of an electric current from the generating source through the conductors and back to the original source is a(n) _____ electric circuit.

• A. complete
• B. open
• C. short
• D. isolated

Answer: (A)

Electric current only flows when there is a closed loop from the power source, through the wiring and any devices, and back to the source. That closed path is what makes a complete circuit possible. If there’s a break somewhere, the loop is opened and current stops, which is an open circuit. A short circuit is when current flows along an unintended, low-resistance path that bypasses the normal load, causing a surge. An isolated circuit isn’t connected to the source at all, so no current flows. The described path—through conductors and back to the source in a continuous loop—matches a complete circuit.