if the path of current flow is interrupted such as when a switch is turned off a closed circuit results?
<answer> An open circuit is one that has a gap or a break in it, such as when a switch is turned off. In an open circuit the flow. cannot continue around the path because the path is interrupted by a gap. <context> An open circuit is one that has a gap or a break in it, such as when a switch is turned off. In an open circuit the flow. cannot continue around the path because the path is interrupted by a gap, like this. A short circuit is where the current flows in an undesired way. This may occur if two wires touch in an electric circuit. when they should not touch at all.