Parallel Circuit
An electrical circuit topology in which components are connected across common voltage nodes, offering multiple parallel paths for current.
Governing formula
1 / R_total = (1/R₁) + (1/R₂) + (1/R₃), V_total = V₁ = V₂ = V₃
SI unit
Ω (Ohms)
In depth
Every parallel branch experiences the same supply voltage. The reciprocal of equivalent resistance equals the sum of reciprocals of individual branch resistances, making total resistance smaller than any single branch resistance.
Examples in the real world
Standard residential household wiring, allowing individual appliances to operate independently at 120 V without disrupting other devices.