Which term best describes a network where a current path splits into multiple branches and later rejoins?

Which term best describes a network where a current path splits into multiple branches and later rejoins?

• A. Series circuit
• B. Combination circuit
• C. Parallel circuit
• D. Open circuit

Answer: (C)

Current splits into multiple paths and then rejoins at a later point describes a parallel circuit. In this arrangement, each branch is connected across the same two nodes, so the voltage across every branch is the same. The total current from the source is the sum of the currents through all branches, so adding more branches increases the total current while keeping the same voltage on each branch. This differs from a series circuit, where the same current flows through every component along a single path, and from an open circuit, where a break stops current entirely. A combination circuit uses both series and parallel parts. An everyday example is lights in parallel, where each bulb gets the full supply voltage and one failing doesn’t stop the others.

Current splits into multiple paths and then rejoins at a later point describes a parallel circuit. In this arrangement, each branch is connected across the same two nodes, so the voltage across every branch is the same. The total current from the source is the sum of the currents through all branches, so adding more branches increases the total current while keeping the same voltage on each branch. This differs from a series circuit, where the same current flows through every component along a single path, and from an open circuit, where a break stops current entirely. A combination circuit uses both series and parallel parts. An everyday example is lights in parallel, where each bulb gets the full supply voltage and one failing doesn’t stop the others.