In a parallel circuit, which statement best describes current, voltage, and branch resistances?

In a parallel circuit, which statement best describes current, voltage, and branch resistances?

• A. Current is the same in all branches; voltage adds; branch resistances combine.
• B. Current is limited to the smallest branch; voltage increases in each branch.
• C. Current adds, voltage stays the same, resistance is found in each resistor.
• D. Current decreases as more branches are added; voltage varies by branch.

Answer: (C)

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each branch is the same because every branch is directly connected across the same two points of the source. That means each resistor in its own branch experiences the same supply voltage. The current in each branch depends on that branch’s resistance, following I_branch = V / R_branch. Since each branch draws its own current, the total current from the source is the sum of all branch currents, so currents add up as you add more paths. Each resistor maintains its own resistance in its branch, rather than sharing a single combined resistance across the circuit. So the statement that matches is that currents add, the voltage stays the same across all branches, and resistance is identified for each individual resistor in its branch.

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each branch is the same because every branch is directly connected across the same two points of the source. That means each resistor in its own branch experiences the same supply voltage. The current in each branch depends on that branch’s resistance, following I_branch = V / R_branch. Since each branch draws its own current, the total current from the source is the sum of all branch currents, so currents add up as you add more paths. Each resistor maintains its own resistance in its branch, rather than sharing a single combined resistance across the circuit. So the statement that matches is that currents add, the voltage stays the same across all branches, and resistance is identified for each individual resistor in its branch.