Current in a Parallel Circuit.
1. The current in a parallel circuit depends on the resistance of the branch.
2. The total
current flowing in
to the
branches
is equal to the total current flowing
out of the branches.
A1 = A5

1. The current at A2 flowing through the 2 Ohm resistor
can be found using V
= I
x R
If the supply voltage is 12 Volts,
I = V ¸ R
= 12 ¸ 2
= 6 Amps.
You would get the same answer for the 2 Ohm
resistor,
whether or not the other resistors are
connected in the circuit.
For parallel circuits, each component behaves
as if it is connected independently to
the cell,
and is unaware of the other components
- see Lamps
(continued on the next page).
If an identical cell
(battery) is placed in parallel
with the original cell
the current stays the same
because the total voltage of the circuit is the same.
The two cells together provide
electricity for twice as long
before they both run out. See also cells
in series.
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