Parallel Circuits

Table of Contents

What are Parallel Circuits?

Parallel circuits are circuits in which all electrical components are only connected using parallel connections [1]. A parallel connection occurs when electrical components are connected across each other's leads [2]. Thus, every electrical component in a parallel circuit is directly connected across every other electrical component in the circuit. In addition, every electrical component in a parallel circuit will have the same voltage across it [3].

What are the three principles of Parallel Circuits?

1. Voltage:Voltage is equal across all components in a parallel circuit.
2. Current: The total circuit current is equal to the sum of the individual branch currents.
3. Resistance: Individual resistances diminishto equal a smaller total resistance rather than add to make the total.[4]

References