Electricity

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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