Which circuit configuration provides multiple paths for current to flow?

• A. Series circuit
• B. Parallel circuit
• C. Three-phase power system
• D. Fuse

Answer: (B)

Multiple paths for current flow are created when components are wired in parallel. In a parallel circuit, each component is connected across the same two points, so the current can split at the junction and flow through multiple branches simultaneously. The voltage across every branch is the same as the source, while the total current drawn from the supply is the sum of the currents in all branches. This arrangement means that if one path is opened or faulted, current can still flow through the other paths, keeping the rest of the circuit energized. This is in contrast to a series circuit, where there is only one path for current and the same current passes through every component, with voltages adding up across them. A three-phase power system involves multiple phase conductors for delivering power efficiently, not a single loop with multiple parallel paths. A fuse is a protective device that interrupts current to prevent damage, and it does not provide multiple current paths.