What is the effect of short-circuiting a capacitor?

Short-circuiting a capacitor leads to its rapid discharge, which can generate a large flow of current. This sudden release of stored electrical energy can result in potentially damaging effects on other components within the circuit. The current surge may cause overheating or even physical damage to sensitive parts such as wiring, resistors, or semiconductor devices.

When a capacitor is short-circuited, it effectively eliminates the voltage across its terminals, allowing the current to discharge through the path of least resistance created by the short. This behavior underscores the importance of managing capacitor connections correctly in electronic circuitry to prevent unintended short circuits that might disrupt circuit function or cause failure. Recognizing this aspect of capacitors is crucial for effective circuit design and safety.