In a parallel circuit, how does the total current relate to the branch currents?

In a parallel circuit, how does the total current relate to the branch currents?

• A. The total equals the current in the first branch
• B. The total equals the current in the largest resistance branch
• C. The total equals the current in the smallest branch
• D. The total equals the sum of branch currents

Answer: (D)

In a parallel circuit, the supply current splits among the branches, and the total current from the source is the sum of the currents in each branch. Each branch draws current according to its own resistance (I_branch = V / R_branch), but what the source delivers is the combined flow of all branches: I_total = I1 + I2 + I3 + … This is why the total current isn’t equal to any single branch current, nor tied specifically to the largest or smallest branch; it’s the sum of all branch currents. If you know the currents in each branch, add them to get the total.

In a parallel circuit, the supply current splits among the branches, and the total current from the source is the sum of the currents in each branch. Each branch draws current according to its own resistance (I_branch = V / R_branch), but what the source delivers is the combined flow of all branches: I_total = I1 + I2 + I3 + … This is why the total current isn’t equal to any single branch current, nor tied specifically to the largest or smallest branch; it’s the sum of all branch currents. If you know the currents in each branch, add them to get the total.