Junction

Some circuits contain both arrangements, so decide which parts are series and which are parallel by tracing the wires and locating junctions.

In a parallel circuit, the circuit divides at a junction into two or more branches. The branches later meet at another junction, so charge can travel along different paths.

A parallel circuit has junctions where the path divides into branches. Each branch provides a separate route between the same two points of the circuit. A break in one branch stops current in that branch, but complete alternative branches can continue to operate.

In a parallel circuit, the path splits at a junction and rejoins later: each branch offers a separate route through the circuit. The components need not sit in the same places on your bench as on the page, but the number of branches and the connections on each branch must match.