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Parallel Circuit (Discussion)

A parallel circuit contains multiple branches with each device in its own branch, allowing multiple pathways for charge to flow. The resistance in a parallel circuit is calculated using the reciprocal of each resistor value. The total resistance is always lower than the lowest individual resistor value. Current flowing through each branch depends on the resistor value, with lower resistors allowing more current. The total current is calculated using Kirchhoff's Current Law and is the sum of the currents in each branch. The voltage across each resistor and branch is equal to the battery voltage.

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6K views2 pages

Parallel Circuit (Discussion)

A parallel circuit contains multiple branches with each device in its own branch, allowing multiple pathways for charge to flow. The resistance in a parallel circuit is calculated using the reciprocal of each resistor value. The total resistance is always lower than the lowest individual resistor value. Current flowing through each branch depends on the resistor value, with lower resistors allowing more current. The total current is calculated using Kirchhoff's Current Law and is the sum of the currents in each branch. The voltage across each resistor and branch is equal to the battery voltage.

Uploaded by

Divine Grace Burmal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Parallel Circuit

Parallel circuit is a circuit wherein each device is placed in its own separate
branch. The presence of branch lines means that there are multiple pathways by
which charge can traverse the external circuit. Each charge passing through the
loop of the external circuit will pass through a single resistor present in a single
branch. When arriving at the branching location or node, a charge makes a choice
as to which branch to travel through on its journey back to the low potential
terminal.
Resistance in Parallel Circuit
Resistors are said to be connected together in parallel when both of their
terminals are respectively connected to each terminal of the other resistor or
resistors. The equivalent resistance of the circuit is the summation of the reciprocal
( 1/R ) value of the individual resistances with the inverse of their algebraic sum.
The total circuit resistance ( RT ) of any two resistors connected together in parallel
will always be less than the value of the smallest resistor in that combination.
Current in Parallel Circuit
Current flowing through each resistor would definitely be different as the
value of the resistors varies. But, using Ohms Law, the current through each
resistor can be determined. And the smaller the resistance, the more current will
flow through the resistor. The total current, IT in a parallel resistor circuit is the sum
of the individual currents flowing in all the parallel branches. The amount of current
flowing in each parallel branch is not necessarily the same as the value of the
resistance in each branch determines the current within that branch. Total current
can be calculated using the principle of Kirchhoffs Current Law (KCL) which states
that the total current leaving a circuit is equal to that entering the circuit.
Voltage Drop of Each Resistor in Parallel Circuit
The potential drop of each branch is equal to the potential rise of the source.
Meaning, voltage across each resistor is the same as the voltage across the parallel
combination. The total voltage drop in the external circuit is equal to the gain in
voltage as a charge passes through the internal circuit. In a parallel circuit, a charge
does not pass through every resistor; rather, it passes through a single resistor.
Thus, the entire voltage drop across that resistor must match the battery voltage. It
doesnt matter whether the charge passes through resistor 1, resistor 2, or resistor
3, the voltage drop across the resistor that it chooses to pass through must equal
the voltage of the battery.
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/circuits/U9L4d.cfm
http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/resistor/res_4.html

http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/physics/phys03/bparcir/
http://epb.apogee.net/foe/fcsppr.asp

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