Automotive Electronics Practice Test

True or False: If one branch of a parallel circuit loses continuity, the other branches will still each receive source voltage and ground.

1. True

2. False

3. Not applicable

4. Depends on the circuit type

The correct answer is: True

In a parallel circuit, multiple branches are connected directly across the same two power source terminals, meaning that each branch operates independently of the others. If one branch loses continuity, which often occurs due to a break in the wire, a fault, or the failure of a component, the other branches are not affected in terms of receiving voltage. Because each branch connects directly to the same voltage source, the remaining branches will continue to receive the full source voltage and ground. This property makes parallel circuits particularly reliable for distributing power to various components, as the failure of one part doesn’t impede the function of others. Thus, the statement is true, as the other branches will still have continuity with the source voltage and ground despite one branch losing continuity.