In a parallel circuit each bulb is on its own side-by-side path. If one bulb is removed, only its path opens — the others keep glowing. Each identical bulb gets the full battery voltage, so adding bulbs does not make them dimmer, but the battery gives more total current (and runs down faster). Homes are wired in parallel so each appliance gets the full voltage and has its own switch.
A path for each — “in parallel every bulb has its own path to the battery”
Each bulb has its own path: removing one leaves the others glowing.
Each bulb gets the full battery voltage.
Total current = add the current of each path (n identical bulbs → n × one bulb’s current).
Use it for: Series and parallel circuits in science, understanding house wiring and decoration lights.
Worked example: 💡 4 identical bulbs are joined in parallel (each on its own side-by-side path) with a battery and a closed switch on the main wire. Bulb 2 is taken out of its holder. How many bulbs glow? → 3
Each bulb has its own path; only bulb 2’s path is open.
Work it out in your head or on paper, then tap your answer — or type it and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.
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