Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
A parallel circuit is an electric circuit where multiple components are connected side by side with separate paths for current flow. In this type of circuit, each component has the same voltage across its terminals.
Related terms
Total Current: The sum of currents flowing through individual branches in a parallel circuit.
Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL): States that the total current entering a junction in an electric circuit is equal to the total current leaving the junction.