Parallel Circuits
Parallel circuits are like a multi-lane motorway where current can take different routes. Each component connects directly to the power supply through its own separate branch.
This setup is brilliant because if one component fails, the others keep working perfectly. That's why your house lights don't all turn off when you switch off your TV - they're wired in parallel!
In parallel circuits, voltage stays the same everywhere, so identical bulbs would shine with equal brightness. However, current splits up between the different branches: I_total = I₁ + I₂ + I₃.
Here's the tricky bit about resistance in parallel: the total resistance is actually less than the smallest individual resistor. More paths mean electricity flows more easily overall, reducing the circuit's total resistance.
Remember: Most household appliances use parallel connections because you want them to work independently of each other!