Which condition is indicated by an ohmmeter showing infinite resistance?

An ohmmeter displaying infinite resistance indicates that there is an open circuit. In electrical terms, an open circuit means that there is a break in the conductive path, causing no current to flow. This is often due to a broken wire, a disconnected connection, or a faulty component in the circuit. The infinite resistance reading signifies that the circuit is not complete; hence, current cannot pass through.

In contrast, a perfect circuit would show zero resistance, implying a complete and functional electrical pathway. A short circuit would exhibit very low resistance due to unintended connections allowing current to flow where it's not supposed to. Finally, a malfunctioning meter would produce erratic or nonsensical readings rather than a clear infinite resistance. Thus, the infinite resistance reading precisely correlates with the condition of an open circuit, confirming that current cannot flow through that part of the circuit.