What is the primary characteristic of an open circuit?

An open circuit is defined by an interruption in the current flow, which means that the path for electricity to travel is incomplete or broken. In this state, the circuit cannot carry any current, as the electrical energy has no continuous route to follow. This lack of continuity is the defining trait of an open circuit, distinguishing it from a closed circuit, where current flows freely due to an unbroken path.

The other characteristics mentioned do not align with the definition of an open circuit. Continuous current flow pertains to closed circuits where the components are connected properly. High voltage can exist in both open and closed circuits, but it does not define the open circuit state. Fixed resistance is a property of certain circuit elements but does not characterize an open circuit either, as resistance awareness becomes irrelevant if there’s no current flow at all.