Final answer:
Fuses and circuit breakers are used in circuits to protect against overcurrent. A fuse is a short piece of wire that melts and breaks when the current exceeds a specific value. A circuit breaker is an automatic switch that opens when the current exceeds a certain limit.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fuses and circuit breakers are used in circuits to protect against overcurrent. When a current exceeds a certain threshold, the fuse or circuit breaker will open, interrupting the circuit and preventing damage to the other components.
A fuse is a short piece of wire that is designed to melt and break when the current exceeds a specific value. It needs to be replaced after it is blown.
A circuit breaker, on the other hand, is an automatic switch that opens when the current exceeds a certain limit. It can be reset and reused without replacement.