Parallel Circuits

Question 1

How do you calculate the current (I) in each branh of a parallel circuit?

How do you calculate I_t?

Answer 1

Divide applied voltage by the resistor of that branch

Add all the branches current (I) to get I_t

Question 2

How is Ohm’s Law formula used to find Total Resistance in this circuit?

Answer 2

R_t = V/I_t

Divide the applied Voltage by the sum of all the currents (I_t)

Total resistance is ALWAYS less than the value of any single branch resistance.

Question 3

What is the product over sum formula?

Answer 3

Provides the same answer as Ohm’s Law formula

(see photo)

Question 4

What is the reciprocal formula?

Answer 4

Question 5

What are the steps for determining voltage drops in a Series-Parallel Circuits?

Answer 5

1. Find total resistance
2. Calculate total current V/R_t = I_t
3. Calculate voltage drops I_t x R₁ = V_r1