In a parallel circuit, which statement is true?

In a parallel circuit, which statement is true?

• A. The current is the same through all branches.
• B. The voltage across each branch varies.
• C. Resistance in each branch adds to produce the total resistance.
• D. Voltage across each branch equals the supply voltage.

Answer: (D)

In a parallel circuit, all branches are connected across the same two points, so each branch experiences the same voltage as the source. This means the voltage across every branch equals the supply voltage, regardless of how many branches there are or what their resistances are. The currents in the branches can differ because each branch has its own resistance, and with the same voltage, I = V/R gives different currents for different R values. Total resistance in a parallel network isn’t obtained by adding the branch resistances; instead, the reciprocals add: 1/R_total = sum(1/R_branch). Adding parallel paths lowers the overall resistance and increases the total current drawn from the source.

In a parallel circuit, all branches are connected across the same two points, so each branch experiences the same voltage as the source. This means the voltage across every branch equals the supply voltage, regardless of how many branches there are or what their resistances are. The currents in the branches can differ because each branch has its own resistance, and with the same voltage, I = V/R gives different currents for different R values. Total resistance in a parallel network isn’t obtained by adding the branch resistances; instead, the reciprocals add: 1/R_total = sum(1/R_branch). Adding parallel paths lowers the overall resistance and increases the total current drawn from the source.