Final answer:
The statement is true; in a parallel circuit, components are wired directly across each other to ensure each receives the same voltage from the power source, enabling independent operation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that components to be connected in parallel are usually wired directly across each other, with the entire parallel combination connected to the voltage source, is true. When components, such as resistors, are connected in a parallel combination, they are arranged with one side of each component connected to one side of the circuit and the other sides of the components connected to the other side of the circuit. This ensures that each component has the same full voltage of the source applied to it, allowing them to operate independently. For example, in household electrical systems and in automobiles, appliances and devices like headlights and radios are connected in parallel to utilize the full voltage from the power source and function independently.