Voltage in short circuit

alexmath

We know that U=IR (ohm's law)
in a short circuit, R goes to 0, I goes to infinity so the voltage goes to 0*∞ which is undefined!
Why voltage is 0?

f95toli

Because in a short circuit, the potential difference is zero...

Remember that voltage is the the difference between the potentials of two points, and a short circuit is -by definition- the situation where the two points have exactly the same potential.

phinds

Quote by alexmath

We know that U=IR (ohm's law)
in a short circuit, R goes to 0, I goes to infinity so the voltage goes to 0*∞ which is undefined!
Why voltage is 0?

Nothing goes to infinity in reality, just in idea circuits. In real circuits the current is limited and/or something burns up and the circuit opens.

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alexmath	Voltage in short circuit We know that U=IR (ohm's law) in a short circuit, R goes to 0, I goes to infinity so the voltage goes to 0*∞ which is undefined! Why voltage is 0?

f95toli Recognitions: Gold Member Science Advisor	Because in a short circuit, the potential difference is zero... Remember that voltage is the the difference between the potentials of two points, and a short circuit is -by definition- the situation where the two points have exactly the same potential.