Question

In a parallel combination of resistors, given the voltage, find the current flowing through the circuit.

• A. \( I = \frac{V}{R_{\text{total}}} \)
• B. \( I = V R_{\text{total}} \)
• C. \( I = \frac{V}{R_{\text{1}}} \)
• D. \( I = \frac{V}{R_1 + R_2} \)

Hint:

In parallel combinations, the total resistance is always less than the smallest individual resistor.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

For resistors in parallel, the reciprocal of the total resistance \( R_{\text{total}} \) is the sum of the reciprocals of individual resistances: \[\frac{1}{R_{\text{total}}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \cdots.\]The circuit's current \( I \) is then calculated using Ohm's law with this total resistance: \[I = \frac{V}{R_{\text{total}}}.\]