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Understand a Circuit

Context

Batteries work within a circuit, which includes an energy source, a conductor, and a load (device receiving energy).

A short circuit occurs when electrical current flows on an unintended path where it meets too little resistance. A short circuit can happen inside or outside of a cell. The result is that too much electrical energy flows through this new path.

A short circuit within a lithium-ion battery can lead to thermal runaway.

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Pathway
The Science of Thermal Runaway
Chapter
How does a lithium-ion battery work?
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