In a parallel circuit consisting of four resistors, the total number of independent current paths equals how many?

• A. 2
• B. 1
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer: (D)

In a parallel circuit, current splits into separate branches, and each branch provides its own path for current. The number of independent current paths equals the number of parallel branches. Four resistors in parallel create four distinct branches between the supply terminals, so there are four independent current paths. The source current is the sum of the currents in each branch, but the count of independent paths remains four. In contrast, a series arrangement has only one path for current. Therefore, the four is the correct count.