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Explain what is short circuiting and overloading in an electric supply.

Short Circuit: When current in a circuit takes unintended path we call it a short circuit.

For example, in a torch circuit if somehow the two terminals of the bulb touch each other the bulb will not glow. Also if somehow the two terminals of the battery touch each other the torch won 't work. This condition is called short circuiting. Generally during short circuit high current flow through the unintended path.

Overload: Overload is the condition when high current, more than the expected/rated value, flow through a circuit. During overload the circuit may burn due to Joule 's heating and damage any appliance.

For example: if an inverter having 500 watt rating is connected with a heater of 1000 Watt, this will result in an overload.

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Short circuiting: Short circuiting occurs when naked live and neutral wires touch each other. In such a case, the resistance of the circuit becomes very less. Now, according to Ohms law, current is inversely proportional to resistance. Thus, the lowering of resistance of the circuit raises the current to a significant amount. As a result, the wires become hot and a spark is caused by Joules heating effect of current. This situation is known as short circuiting. Overloading: A large amount of current is withdrawn from the circuit, when a large number of electrical appliances of high power-rating are switched on at the same time or connected in a single multi-plug. This situation is called overloading. Hope this helps, Good luck.
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Short circuiting

when the live wire and the neutral wire come in contact, the current in the circuit rises abruptly. This may cause fires.

overloading

when we connect many appliances to a socke, the current rises abnormally. This is called overloading.

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