Parallel Circuits
Components are connected across the same two nodes — each has its own path.
Rules: - Voltage is the same across every branch: V = V₁ = V₂ = V₃ - Currents add up: I_total = I₁ + I₂ + I₃ - Resistances combine: 1/R_total = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + 1/R₃ (total is always less than the smallest branch) - If one branch fails, the others keep operating. - Adding more branches lowers total resistance and increases total current drawn from the source.