Final answer:
A circuit where the same voltage is across all its elements is a parallel circuit. Unlike in series circuits, each component in a parallel circuit receives an equal voltage from the power source, which is consistent with the potential difference across the components.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes a circuit where the same voltage is present across all its elements is known as a parallel circuit. In a parallel circuit, each component is connected in such a way that the voltage across each component is the same and is equal to the voltage of the battery. This is often represented in ladder-shaped diagrams where each component is like a rung of the ladder, ensuring that the potential difference is consistent across all components.
Applicable principles
In a series circuit, the voltage across the battery must be equal to the total voltage across all other circuit components in series. However, in a parallel configuration, while the same current does not run through all resistors, the voltage across each resistor is the same since each is directly connected to the voltage source.
Moreover, according to Ohm's law, the relationship in a simple circuit – with a single voltage source and a single resistance – provides that the current through the circuit is equal to the applied voltage divided by the equivalent resistance.