What type of circuit is used to prevent overloading in an electrical system?

The purpose of a fuse or circuit breaker is to prevent overloading in an electrical system by interrupting the flow of current when it exceeds a predetermined level. These protective devices are designed to break the circuit when excessive current runs through, thus preventing potential overheating, fires, or damage to connected components.

Fuses contain a metal wire that melts when the current exceeds its rated capacity, effectively cutting off the electrical flow. Circuit breakers, on the other hand, utilize a mechanism that trips the circuit when an overload is detected, allowing for easier resetting and reuse after the fault has been addressed. This function is critical for maintaining the safety and integrity of electrical systems, ensuring that they operate within safe current limits.

The other choices do not serve the purpose of preventing overloading. Resistors are used primarily to limit current flow and can actually generate heat under excess current, without providing a cutoff mechanism. Capacitors store electrical energy temporarily and don't react to overload conditions by interrupting current flow. Inductors store energy in a magnetic field and, while they can influence current and voltage behavior in a circuit, they don’t interrupt current flow to prevent overloading.