Parallel Circuit - GCSE Physics Definition

A parallel circuit is a type of electrical circuit where the electrical components are connected across multiple paths (branches), so that each component has its own direct path to both the power source and the ground. In simpler terms, if you imagine a road with many side streets branching off, in a parallel circuit, every side street leads back to the main road, allowing electricity to flow through each component separately. This means that if one component fails or is removed, the others can still function properly, as they are not dependent on a single path. In parallel circuits, the voltage across each branch is the same, but the total current is split between the branches.