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

In a parallel combination of resistors, the total resistance $R_{\text{total}}$ is given by: $$\frac{1}{R_{\text{total}}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \cdots.$$ Once the total resistance is found, the current flowing through the circuit is determined by Ohm’s law: $$I = \frac{V}{R_{\text{total}}}.$$