Georgia High School Physical Science EOC Practice Test

Parallel circuits have multiple paths for current. In this setup, components are connected in branches that share the same two points, so the current can split and travel through different paths. If one path gets obstructed, the others still provide a complete route back to the source, so current continues to flow through the remaining branches. A helpful example is two lights connected in parallel: each light has the same voltage across it, and if one bulb burns out, the other still stays lit because the circuit through the other path remains closed. In contrast, a series circuit has only one path for current, so blocking that path stops current everywhere. An open circuit is simply a broken path with no current flow, and static electricity relates to charge buildup rather than a continuous current path.