Which term describes a circuit with multiple paths for current to follow?

Which term describes a circuit with multiple paths for current to follow?

• A. Open Circuit
• B. Series Circuit
• C. Parallel Circuit
• D. Closed Circuit

Answer: (C)

Having multiple paths for current means the circuit is wired in parallel. In a parallel arrangement, each branch connects across the same two points of the power source, so every branch has the same voltage across it. The current then splits among the branches according to each branch’s resistance, and the total current drawn from the source is the sum of the currents in all branches. Because there are multiple paths, adding more branches lowers the overall resistance seen by the source, and if one branch opens or is removed, current can still flow through the remaining paths. This behavior contrasts with a series circuit, where current has only one path to follow and a break in any part stops current everywhere. Household wiring, where lights and outlets are connected in parallel, is a common real-world example of this concept.

Having multiple paths for current means the circuit is wired in parallel. In a parallel arrangement, each branch connects across the same two points of the power source, so every branch has the same voltage across it. The current then splits among the branches according to each branch’s resistance, and the total current drawn from the source is the sum of the currents in all branches. Because there are multiple paths, adding more branches lowers the overall resistance seen by the source, and if one branch opens or is removed, current can still flow through the remaining paths. This behavior contrasts with a series circuit, where current has only one path to follow and a break in any part stops current everywhere. Household wiring, where lights and outlets are connected in parallel, is a common real-world example of this concept.