Which of the following best describes a parallel circuit?

A parallel circuit is characterized by having multiple paths for current to flow. This means that if one path is interrupted or fails, the current can still travel through the other available paths. As a result, devices connected in parallel operate independently of one another. This configuration allows for consistent voltage across all components, which is a defining feature of parallel circuits, but the essence of a parallel circuit lies in the fact that it provides multiple routes for the electric current to take.

While it is true that voltage remains constant across all components in a parallel circuit, the key distinguishing factor that defines it as a parallel arrangement is the presence of multiple paths. A single pathway for current would describe a series circuit, and while a closed circuit is necessary for current flow, it is not exclusive to parallel circuits, as both series and parallel can be closed. Therefore, the description that highlights the existence of multiple paths best captures the nature of parallel circuits.