In a parallel circuit, what happens to the total voltage?

In a parallel circuit, the total voltage across each branch remains the same. This characteristic is fundamental to parallel circuits because each branch is connected directly across the power supply. As a result, every component in the circuit experiences the same voltage as the source.

For example, if a battery provides a voltage of 12 volts, each branch within the parallel circuit will also have 12 volts across it, regardless of how many branches are present or the resistance of each branch. This consistency in voltage across all paths enables devices connected in parallel to operate independently and receive the same voltage supply, making parallel circuits useful for appliances that require a standard operating voltage.

This principle clearly illustrates why the total voltage in parallel circuits does not aggregate across branches, nor does it decrease as more branches are added; instead, it remains constant. Understanding this concept is crucial as it lays the foundation for analyzing and designing electrical circuits in various applications.