What type of circuit consists of multiple paths for current?

A parallel circuit is characterized by having multiple paths through which electric current can flow. This means that if one path is interrupted or fails, current can still travel through the remaining pathways. This configuration allows for the voltage across each component in the circuit to remain the same, while the total current supplied can be divided among the different paths.

In practical applications, parallel circuits are often used in household wiring, allowing for multiple appliances to operate independently without affecting each other. For instance, if one light bulb burns out in a parallel circuit, other bulbs connected in the same circuit will continue to function without interruption.

This distinguishes it significantly from a series circuit, where components are arranged in a single path, and if one element fails, it interrupts the entire circuit. Closed and open circuits refer to the overall state of the circuit (closed for complete electrical paths and open for interruptions), rather than the arrangement of multiple current paths.