answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

In all branches of a parallel circuit, it is voltage that is the same. Across each parallel branch of a circuit, we'll measure the same voltage. Probably the best example of equal voltages appearing across all branches of a parallel circuit is a household electrical distribution curcuit. The voltage at any outlet where you'd care to plug in an appliance or device will be the same. A fan plugged into an outlet in a bedroom will "feel" the same voltage as it would if it were in the living room and plugged into an outlet there.

One other way to look at things like this is that each branch of the parallel circuit is connected across the voltage source. Each branch could be looked at as an "independent" circuit, and any given branch doesn't care what is happening in any other branch. Does turning that fan we mentioned on and off, or even unplugging it from the outlet affect the operation of, say, the refrigerator? No, it does not. Any device plugged into an outlet is connected "directly" to the source of voltage. And each parallel branch of the circuit will operate independently of any other branch. We know that the voltage in (or across) any branch of a parallel circuit is the same as the voltage across any other branch.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

It is equal to the sum of the current in each of the branches.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: In a parallel circuit what is the total current equal to?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Engineering

4 How do you determine current in a parallel DC circuit?

The current in each individual component of the parallel circuit is equal to (voltage across the combined group of parallel components) / (individual component's resistance). The total current is the sum of the individual currents. ============================== Another approach is to first calculate the combined effective resistance of the group of parallel components. -- take the reciprocal of each individual resistance -- add all the reciprocals -- the combined effective resistance is the reciprocal of the sum. Then, the total current through the parallel circuit is (voltage across the parallel circuit) / (combined effective resistance of the components).


In a parallel ac circuit is the current additive?

Yes In parallel circuit , current entering into the circuit will be divided intodifferent paths ( resistances) . Amount of current flow depends upon the magnitude of resistance applied in the circuit. Total current after passing through the circuit will be the sum of all current through each resistance.


What happens as a current flows through a parallel circuit?

if the circuit is a series circuit (all loads wired in a single line , one after the other ) then the current will be the same in any part of the circuit . if there are several different paths for the current to take , then each path will carry a different percentage of the total current . when each of these different current values are added together , they will equal the total supplied current.


Does the total current of a parallel RLC circuit is equal to the sum of current in resistor inductor and capacitor?

the total current is the vector sum of current expressed in this equation: IT = sqrt ((V/R^2) + (V/XC-V/XL)^2)) since the voltage(V) is equal in every branch due to parallel. we can substiture the value of V to our equation. V = supply voltage (possible).


What is the total resistance in a parrellel ciruit?

The rule for finding total resistance in a parallel circuit is that a parallel circuit has two or more paths for current to flow through. Another rule states that voltage is the same across each component of the parallel circuit. If one of the parallel paths is broken, current will still continue to flow in all the other paths.

Related questions

Is the current in one branch of a parallel circuit more than less than or equal to the total current?

its less then the total current


what happens to current in a circuit?

in a parallel circuit, current get divided among the parallel branches in a manner so that the product of current and the resistance of each branch becomes same. The sum of the current in each branch is equal to the total current of the circuit.


What is a circuit with several current paths whose total current equals the sum of the currents in its branches?

This is a parallel circuit, each of the parallel current paths draws a certain current, and the input current equals the output current, so the sum of all current through each path has to equal the total current.


What happens to current in a parallel circuit?

in a parallel circuit, current get divided among the parallel branches in a manner so that the product of current and the resistance of each branch becomes same. The sum of the current in each branch is equal to the total current of the circuit.


What is a circuit with several current paths whose total current equals the sum of the currents in its branches called?

This is a parallel circuit, each of the parallel current paths draws a certain current, and the input current equals the output current, so the sum of all current through each path has to equal the total current.


4 How do you determine current in a parallel DC circuit?

The current in each individual component of the parallel circuit is equal to (voltage across the combined group of parallel components) / (individual component's resistance). The total current is the sum of the individual currents. ============================== Another approach is to first calculate the combined effective resistance of the group of parallel components. -- take the reciprocal of each individual resistance -- add all the reciprocals -- the combined effective resistance is the reciprocal of the sum. Then, the total current through the parallel circuit is (voltage across the parallel circuit) / (combined effective resistance of the components).


When you short out a resistor in a parallel circuit why does the current lower?

The total resistance of a set of resistors in parallel is found by adding up the reciprocals of the resistance values, and then taking the reciprocal of the total. By removing a resistor the total current will lower. If you short out the parallel circuit as suggested it will take out the fuse that should be protecting the circuit.AnswerShorting-out a resistor in a parallel circuit, will act to short out the entire circuit, therefore, significantly increasing, not lowering, the current! And, as the previous answer indicates, this short-circuit current will operate any protective devices, such as a fuse.In a parallel circuit current does not lower but it will be increase if shorting-out one resistor in the two resistor parallel circuit, the circuit will become very low resistive and the larger current will flow through the short path.


In a parallel ac circuit is the current additive?

Yes In parallel circuit , current entering into the circuit will be divided intodifferent paths ( resistances) . Amount of current flow depends upon the magnitude of resistance applied in the circuit. Total current after passing through the circuit will be the sum of all current through each resistance.


What happens to the total current provided by the battery as more bulbs are added to a parallel circuit?

The total current increases in this case.


How is a total current in a parallel circuit worked out?

sum the individual branch currents


When two resistors are conected in parallel what happens to the current as it passes through the circuit?

According to Kirchhoff's Current Law, the sum of the individual branch currents must be equal to the total current before (and after) it branches.


What happens as a current flows through a parallel circuit?

if the circuit is a series circuit (all loads wired in a single line , one after the other ) then the current will be the same in any part of the circuit . if there are several different paths for the current to take , then each path will carry a different percentage of the total current . when each of these different current values are added together , they will equal the total supplied current.