What condition characterizes a shorted capacitor?

A shorted capacitor is characterized by direct contact between conductive surfaces, which effectively connects the capacitor's plates together. This condition occurs when the dielectric material between the capacitor's plates fails or is compromised, allowing electrical current to flow freely between them. In this state, the capacitor can no longer store or separate electrical charges as intended, leading to a failure to perform its intended function in the circuit.

In contrast, increased capacitance would indicate that the capacitor is functioning properly and able to store more charge. Loss of continuity between plates would suggest that the capacitor has an open circuit condition, meaning there is no path for current flow, which is not characteristic of a short. Decreased voltage across terminals might suggest a faulty capacitor as well, but it does not specifically indicate a shorted condition; this could happen for various other reasons in a circuit.