Parallel circuits

Question 1

What are parallel circuits?

Answer 1

A circuit in which the electric current passes through two or more branches.

Question 2

Describe the current in a parallel circuit.

Answer 2

The total is current is shared between individual branches.

Question 3

How do we calculate the current in a parallel circuit?

Answer 3

Total current = I₁ + I₂ + I₃

Question 4

Describe the p.d. in a parallel circuit.

Answer 4

P.d. is the same across all branches.

Question 5

How do we calculate the p.d in a parallel circuit?

Answer 5

V₁ = V₂ = V₃

Question 6

Describe the resistance in a parallel circuit.

Answer 6

Total resistance decreases as more components are added.

Question 7

How do we calculate the resistance in a parallel circuit?

Answer 7

Total resistance = (R₁ * R₂)/(R₁ + R₂)