Final answer:
In a parallel circuit, if one branch becomes shorted, it does not affect the other branches because each branch has its own separate path for current. The unaffected branches will continue to function normally and receive the full voltage of the source.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a parallel circuit, if one branch becomes shorted, all other branches will still function because each branch in a parallel circuit has its own separate path for current to flow. The total current supplied by the voltage source will be divided among the unaffected branches, and they will still receive the full voltage of the source.
For example, consider a house with multiple appliances connected in parallel to the electrical supply. If one appliance malfunctions or is shorted, the other appliances will continue to operate normally because the parallel circuit allows each appliance to draw its own current and utilize the full voltage of the supply.
Therefore, a short circuit in one branch of a parallel circuit will not have any effect on the functioning of the other branches.