In a parallel circuit, how does current behave across different branches?

In a parallel circuit, how does current behave across different branches?

• A. Current can differ between branches
• B. Current is the same in all branches
• C. Current is zero in some branches
• D. Current flows only in the main line

Answer: (D)

In a parallel circuit, the current splits among the different branches. Each branch has the same voltage across it, but the current in each branch depends on that branch’s resistance: I_branch = V / R_branch. Branches with lower resistance draw more current, while higher resistance draws less. The total current from the source is the sum of the currents in all branches. If a branch is open, its current is zero, but the others still carry current. So currents can differ between branches even though the voltage is the same across every branch.

In a parallel circuit, the current splits among the different branches. Each branch has the same voltage across it, but the current in each branch depends on that branch’s resistance: I_branch = V / R_branch. Branches with lower resistance draw more current, while higher resistance draws less. The total current from the source is the sum of the currents in all branches. If a branch is open, its current is zero, but the others still carry current. So currents can differ between branches even though the voltage is the same across every branch.