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Physics · Grades 10–12

Total current in parallel branches

Each parallel branch has the same potential difference; branch currents add.

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Rule and assumptions

Each parallel branch has the same potential difference; branch currents add.

I = V/R₁ + V/R₂

Worked examples

A theoretical 11 V ideal source supplies parallel ohmic resistors 9 Ω and 38 Ω. Find total source current. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in A.

I = V/R₁ + V/R₂ 11/9 + 11/38 = 1.512

1.512 A

A theoretical 14 V ideal source supplies parallel ohmic resistors 10 Ω and 34 Ω. Find total source current. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in A.

I = V/R₁ + V/R₂ 14/10 + 14/34 = 1.812

1.812 A

Try two questions

  1. A theoretical 2 V ideal source supplies parallel ohmic resistors 9 Ω and 14 Ω. Find total source current. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in A.

  2. A theoretical 3 V ideal source supplies parallel ohmic resistors 20 Ω and 22 Ω. Find total source current. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in A.

Answers and reasoning

Answers and marking notes
  1. 0.365 A

    I = V/R₁ + V/R₂ 2/9 + 2/14 = 0.365

  2. 0.286 A

    I = V/R₁ + V/R₂ 3/20 + 3/22 = 0.286

Further reading and review references

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