In an electrical circuit with multiple branches for the current, the arrangement is called a what?

• A. Series circuit
• B. Open circuit
• C. Parallel circuit
• D. Short circuit

Answer: (C)

Multiple paths for current define a parallel circuit. In this arrangement, current can split and flow through several branches from the source back to the return. Each branch has the same voltage across it as the source, and the total current equals the sum of the branch currents. This contrasts with a series circuit, where current remains the same through every element and voltages add up. A short circuit is a path of very low resistance that bypasses loads, and an open circuit is a break that stops current flow. Therefore, the described setup with several branches is a parallel circuit.