Which characteristic defines an open circuit?

An open circuit is defined by the absence of current flow. In a circuit, when the path for electric current is interrupted—due to a disconnected switch or a broken wire, for example—no current can move through the circuit. This occurs because the continuous pathway that allows electrons to flow is broken. As a result, even if there is a voltage present across the open circuit, the current remains at zero, which is a fundamental characteristic of an open circuit. Understanding this concept is critical for recognizing how circuits function and for troubleshooting electrical issues.