What is the term used when current does not flow in a circuit?

The term used when current does not flow in a circuit is "open circuit." In an open circuit, there is a break in the conductive path, which prevents the flow of electrical current. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as a switch being turned off, a broken wire, or a disconnected component. When the circuit is open, the voltage is typically still present, but the current cannot complete its path, thus halting the flow.

In contrast, a closed circuit allows current to flow freely as it provides a complete path for the electrons to travel. A short circuit refers to an unintended pathway that bypasses the normal load in the circuit, often leading to excessive current flow and potentially damaging the circuit. An active circuit generally refers to a circuit that is energized and functioning, which would imply that current is flowing rather than being absent.