Module 5.

1
Direct-Current Parallel Circuits
VOLTAGE AND CURRENT IN A PARALLEL CIRCUIT
A parallel circuit is a circuit in which two or more components are connected across the same voltage
source (Fig. 5-1). The resistors R1 , R2 , and R3 are in parallel with each other and with the battery. Each
parallel path is then a branch with its own individual current. When the total current IT leaves the voltage
source V , part I1 of the current IT will flow through R1 , part I2 will flow through R2 , and the remainder I3
through R3 . The branch currents I1 , I2 , and I3 can be different. However, if a voltmeter (an instrument for
measuring the voltage of a circuit) is connected across R1 , R2 , and R3 , the respective voltages V1 , V2 , and V3
will be equal. Therefore,

V = V1 = V2 = V3 (5-1)

Fig. 5-1 A parallel circuit

The total current IT is equal to the sum of all branch currents.

IT = I1 + I2 + I3 (5-2)

This formula applies for any number of parallel branches whether the resistances are equal or unequal.
By Ohm’s law, each branch current equals the applied voltage divided by the resistance between the two
points where the voltage is applied. Hence (Fig. 5-1), for each branch we have the following equations:

V1 V
Branch 1: I1 = =
R1 R1

V2 V
Branch 2: I2 = = (5-3)
R2 R2

V3 V
Branch 3: I3 = =
R3 R3

With the same applied voltage, any branch that has less resistance allows more current through it than a branch
with higher resistance.

Example 5.1 Two lamps each drawing 2 A and a third lamp drawing 1 A are connected in parallel across a 110-V line
(Fig. 5-2). What is the total current?

75
76 DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS

Fig. 5-2

The formula for total current is

IT = I1 + I2 + I3 (5-2)
=2+2+1=5A Ans.

The total current is 5 A.

Example 5.2 Two branches R1 and R2 across a 110-V power line draw a total line current of 20 A (Fig. 5-3). Branch R1
takes 12 A. What is the current I2 in branch R2 ?

Fig. 5-3

Starting with Eq. (5-2), transpose to find I2 and then substitute given values.

IT = I1 + I2
I2 = IT − I1
= 20 − 12 = 8 A Ans.

The current in branch R2 is 8 A.

Example 5.3 A parallel circuit consists of a coffee maker, a toaster, and a frying pan plugged into a kitchen appliance
circuit on a 120-V line (Fig. 5-4a). What currents will flow in each branch of the circuit and what is the total current drawn
by all the appliances?
First, draw the circuit diagram (Fig. 5-4b). Show the resistance for each appliance. There is a 120-V potential across
each appliance. Then, using Eq. (5-3), apply Ohm’s law to each appliance.

V 120
Coffee maker: I1 = = =8A Ans.
R1 15
V 120
Toaster: I2 = = =8A Ans.
R2 15
V 120
Frying pan: I3 = = = 10 A Ans.
R3 12
CHAP. 5] DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS 77

Fig. 5-4

Now find total current, using Eq. (5-2).

IT = I1 + I2 + I3
= 8 + 8 + 10 = 26 A Ans.

With this load of 26 A, a 20-A circuit breaker or fuse will open the circuit. This example shows the desirability of having
two 20-A kitchen appliance circuits.

RESISTANCES IN PARALLEL
Total Resistance
The total resistance in a parallel circuit is found by applying Ohm’s law: Divide the common voltage
across the parallel resistances by the total line current.

V
RT = (5-4)
IT

RT is the total resistance of all the parallel branches across the voltage source V , and IT is the sum of all the
branch currents.

Example 5.4 What is the total resistance of the circuit shown in Fig. 5-4 (Example 5.3)?
In Example 5.3 the line voltage is 120 V and the total line current is 26 A. Therefore,

V 120
RT = = = 4.62  Ans.
IT 26
78 DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS

The total load connected to the 120-V line is the same as the single equivalent resistance of 4.62  connected across the
line (Fig. 5-5). The words total resistance and equivalent resistance are used interchangeably.

Fig. 5-5 Equivalent circuit to

that of Fig. 5-4

General Reciprocal Formula

The total resistance in parallel is given by the formula

1 1 1 1 1
= + + + ··· + (5-5)
RT R1 R2 R3 Rn
where RT is the total resistance in parallel and R1 , R2 , R3 , and Rn are the branch resistances.

Example 5.5 Find the total resistance of a 2-, a 4-, and an 8- resistor in parallel (Fig. 5-6).

Fig. 5-6

Write the formula for three resistances in parallel.

1 1 1 1
= + + (5-5)
RT R1 R2 R3

Substitute the resistance values.

1 1 1 1
= + +
RT 2 4 8

Add fractions.

1 4 2 1 7
= + + =
RT 8 8 8 8
CHAP. 5] DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS 79

Invert both sides of the equation to solve for RT .

8
RT = = 1.14  Ans.
7

Note that when resistances are connected in parallel, the total resistance is always less than the resistance of any single
branch. In this case, RT = 1.14  is less than R1 = 2 , R2 = 4 , and R3 = 8 .

Example 5.6 Add a fourth resistor of 2  in parallel to the circuit in Fig. 5-6. What is the new total resistance and what
is the net effect of adding another resistance in parallel?
Write the formula for four resistances in parallel.

1 1 1 1 1
= + + + (5-5)
RT R1 R2 R3 R4

Substitute values.

1 1 1 1 1
= + + +
RT 2 4 8 2

Add fractions.

1 4 2 1 4 11
= + + + =
RT 8 8 8 8 8

Invert.

8
RT = = 0.73  Ans.
11

Thus we see that the net effect of adding another resistance in parallel is a reduction of the total resistance from 1.14
to 0.73 .

Simplified Formulas
The total resistance of equal resistors in parallel is equal to the resistance of one resistor divided by the
number of resistors.

R
RT = (5-6)
N

where RT = total resistance of equal resistors in parallel, 

R = resistance of one of the equal resistors, 
N = number of equal resistors

Example 5.7 Four lamps, each having a resistance of 60 , are connected in parallel. Find the total resistance.
Given are

R = R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = 60 
N =4

Write Eq. (5-6) and substitute values.

R 60
RT = = = 15  Ans.
N 4
80 DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS

When any two unequal resistors are in parallel, it is often easier to calculate the total resistance by
multiplying the two resistances and then dividing the product by the sum of the resistances.

R 1 R2
RT = (5-7)
R1 + R 2

where RT is the total resistance in parallel and R1 and R2 are the two resistors in parallel.

Example 5.8 Find the total resistance of a 6- and an 18- resistor in parallel.
Given are R1 = 6 , R2 = 18 .
Write Eq. (5-7) and substitute values.

R1 R2 6(18) 108
RT = = = = 4.5  Ans.
R1 + R2 6 + 18 24

In some cases with two parallel resistors, it is useful to find what size Rx to connect in parallel with a
known R in order to obtain a required value of RT . To find the appropriate formula, we start with Eq. (5-7)
and transpose the factors as follows:
RRx
RT =
R + Rx
Cross-multiply. RT R + RT Rx = RRx
Transpose. RRx − RT Rx = RT R
Factor. Rx (R − RT ) = RT R
RRT
Solve for Rx . Rx = (5-8)
R − RT

Example 5.9 What value of resistance must be added in parallel with a 4- resistor to provide a total resistance of 3 
(Fig. 5-7)?

Fig. 5-7

Given are R = 4  and RT = 3 . Write Eq. (5-8) and substitute values.

RRT 4(3) 12
Rx = = = = 12  Ans.
R − RT 4−3 1

OPEN AND SHORT CIRCUITS

An “open” in any part of a circuit is, in effect, an extremely high resistance that results in no current
flow in the circuit. When there is an open in the main line (the “X” in Fig. 5-8a), current to all the parallel
branches is stopped. When there is an open in one branch (branch 2 in Fig. 5-8b), only that branch will have no
current. However, current in branches 1 and 3 will continue to flow as long as they are connected to the voltage
source.
CHAP. 5] DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS 81

Fig. 5-8 Open parallel circuits

Fig. 5-9 Short in parallel circuit

A “short” in any part of a circuit is, in effect, an extremely low resistance. The result is that very high current
will flow through the short circuit. Assume that a conducting wire at point a in Fig. 5-9 should accidentally
contact the wire at point b. Since the wire is an excellent conductor, the short circuit offers a parallel path with
practically zero resistance from points a to b. Almost all the current will flow in this path. Since the resistance
of the short circuit is practically zero, the voltage drop across ab will be almost zero (by Ohm’s law). Thus
resistors R1 , R2 , and R3 will not draw their normal current.

Example 5.10 Find the current in each parallel branch (Fig. 5-10a). If the resistor in the second branch burns out,
causing an open circuit (Fig. 5-10b), find the new branch currents.
Use Eq. (5-3) and substitute values. With circuits normal (Fig. 5-10a),

Fig. 5-10

V 10
I1 = = = 0.5 A Ans.
R1 20
V 10
I2 = = = 0.5 A Ans.
R2 20
82 DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS

With branch 2 open (Fig. 5-10b),

V 10
I1 = = = 0.5 A Ans.
R1 20

I2 = 0 A Ans.

Branch 1 still operates normally at 0.5 A. This example shows the advantage of wiring components in parallel. An open
circuit in one component merely opens the branch containing the component, while the other parallel branch keeps its
normal voltage and current.

DIVISION OF CURRENT IN TWO PARALLEL BRANCHES

It is sometimes necessary to find the individual branch currents in a parallel circuit if the resistances and
total current are known, but the voltage across the resistance bank is not known. When only two branches are
involved, the current in one branch will be some fraction of the total current. This fraction is the quotient of
the second resistance divided by the sum of the resistances.

R2
I1 = IT (5-9)
R1 + R 2

R2
I2 = IT (5-10)
R1 + R 2

where I1 and I2 are the currents in the respective branches. Notice that the equation for each branch current
has the opposite R in the numerator. The reason is that each branch current is inversely proportional to
the branch resistance. The denominator is the same in both equations, equal to the sum of the two branch
resistances.

Example 5.11 Find the branch currents I1 and I2 for the circuit shown in Fig. 5-11.

Fig. 5-11

Given are IT = 18 A, R1 = 3 , and R2 = 6 . Write the equations and substitute values.

R2
I1 = IT (5-9)
R1 + R2
6 6
= 18 = 18 = 12 A Ans.
3+6 9
R2 3
I2 = IT = 18 = 6 A Ans. (5-10)
R1 + R2 9
CHAP. 5] DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS 83

Since IT and I1 were known, we could have found I2 simply by subtracting:

IT = I1 + I2
I2 = IT − I1 = 18 − 12 = 6 A Ans.

CONDUCTANCES IN PARALLEL
Conductance is the opposite of resistance. The less the resistance, the higher the conductance. The symbol
for conductance is G and its unit is siemens (S). G is the reciprocal of R, or

1
G= (5-11)
R
For example, 6  resistance is equal to 1/6 S conductance.
Since conductance is equal to the reciprocal of resistance, the reciprocal resistance equation, Eq. (5-5),
can be written for conductance as

GT = G1 + G2 + G3 + · · · + Gn (5-12)

where GT is the total conductance in parallel and G1 , G2 , G3 , and Gn are the branch conductances.

Example 5.12 Find the total conductance of the circuit in Fig. 5-12. Then find the total resistance RT and check the
value with that computed in Example 5.5.

Fig. 5-12

This circuit is the same as that of Fig. 5-6 used in Example 5.5. Convert each branch resistance to conductance, using
Eq. (5-11), and then add the values of conductance to obtain GT .

1 1
G1 = = = 0.5 S
R1 2
1 1
G2 = = = 0.25 S
R2 4
1 1
G3 = = = 0.125 S
R3 8
GT = G1 + G2 + G3 (5-12)
= 0.5 + 0.25 + 0.125 = 0.875 S Ans.
Finally
1 1
RT = = = 1.14  Ans.
GT 0.875

which agrees with the RT value found in Example 5.5.

84 DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS

Ohm’s law can be written in terms of conductance. Recall that

V
RT = (5-4)
IT
V
IT =
RT

But 1/RT = GT , so

IT = V GT (5-13)

Example 5.13 If the source voltage across the parallel bank in Fig. 5-12 is 100 V, find the total current.
Given are V = 100 V and GT = 0.875 S. Using Eq. (5-13),

IT = V GT = 100(0.875) = 87.5 A Ans.

POWER IN PARALLEL CIRCUITS

Since the power dissipated in the branch resistance must come from the voltage source, the total power
equals the sum of the individual values of power in each branch.

PT = P1 + P2 + P3 + · · · + Pn (5-14)

where PT is the total power and P1 , P2 , P3 , and Pn are the branch powers.
Total power can also be calculated by the equation

PT = V IT (5-15)

where PT is the total power, V is the voltage source across all parallel branches, and IT is the total current.
The power P dissipated in each branch is equal to VI and equal to V 2 /R.
In both parallel and series arrangements, the sum of the individual values of power dissipated in the circuit
equals the total power generated by the source. The circuit arrangements cannot change the fact that all power
in the circuit comes from the source.

Example 5.14 Find the power dissipated in each branch and the total power of the circuit in Fig. 5-13.

Fig. 5-13
CHAP. 5] DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS 85

First find the branch current and the power in each branch.

V 20
I1 = = =2A
R1 10
V 20
I2 = = =4A
R2 5
P1 = V I1 = 20(2) = 40 W Ans.
P2 = V I2 = 20(4) = 80 W Ans.

Then add these values for power in each branch to find PT .

PT = P1 + P2 (5-14)
= 40 + 80 = 120 W Ans.

Another way to find PT is to solve for IT .

IT = I1 + I2 = 2 + 4 = 6 A

Then PT = V IT (5-15)
= 20(6) = 120 W Ans.

The 120 W of power supplied by the source is dissipated in the branch resistances.
There are still other ways to find power used in each branch and total power.

V2 (20)2
P1 = = = 40 W
R1 10
V2 (20)2
P2 = = = 80 W
R2 5
V2
PT = = V 2 GT = (20)2 (0.3) = 120 W
RT

where 1 R + R2 10 + 5
GT = = 1 = = 0.3 S
RT R1 R2 10(5)

Solved Problems

5.1 Write the word or words which most correctly complete the following statements.
(a) The equivalent resistance RT of parallel branches is ___________ than the smallest branch
resistance since all the branches must take ___________ current from the source than any one
branch.
(b) When two resistances are connected in parallel, the voltage across each is the ___________.
(c) An open in one branch results in ___________ current through that branch, but the other branches
can have their ___________ current.
86 DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS

(d) A short circuit has ___________ resistance, resulting in ___________ current.

(e) If each of two resistances connected in parallel dissipates 5 W, the total power supplied by the
voltage source equals ___________ W.

Ans. (a) less, more; (b) same; (c) zero, normal; (d) zero, excessive; (e) 10

5.2 Branch circuits in a house wiring system are parallel circuits. A toaster, a coffee maker, and a frying
pan are plugged into a kitchen appliance circuit across a 110-V line (Fig. 5-14). The current through
the toaster is 8.3 A; through the coffee maker, 8.3 A; and through the frying pan, 9.6 A. Find (a) the
total current from the main line, (b) the voltage across each appliance, and (c) the total resistance of
the circuit.

Fig. 5-14

(a) Find IT .

IT = I1 + I2 + I3 (5-2)
= 8.3 + 8.3 + 9.6 = 26.2 A Ans.

(b) Find V1 , V2 , V3 , using Eq. (5-1).

V = V1 = V2 = V3 = 110 V Ans.

(c) Find RT .

V
RT = (5-4)
IT
110
= = 4.198 = 4.20  Ans.
26.2

5.3 Four 60-W lamps, each having the same resistance, are connected in parallel across a household
terminal of 120 V, producing a line current of 2 A (Fig. 5-15a). The schematic diagram shows resistances
that represent the lamps (Fig. 5-15b). What is (a) the equivalent resistance of the circuit, (b) the
resistance R of each lamp, and (c) the current that each lamp draws?
(a) V 120
RT = = = 60  Ans.
IT 2

(b) R
RT =
N
CHAP. 5] DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS 87

Fig. 5-15

so that

R = RT N = 60(4) = 240  Ans.

IT 2
(c) I1 = I2 = I3 = I4 = = = 0.5 A Ans.
N 4

With equal resistance in each branch, the current in each branch is equal and the power consumed
by each branch is equal.

5.4 For the circuit in Fig. 5-16, find (a) the total resistance, (b) each branch current, and (c) the total
current.

Fig. 5-16

(a) Since there are only two resistances in parallel, use the simplified formula, Eq. (5-7).

R 1 R2 20(30)
RT = = = 12  Ans.
R1 + R 2 20 + 30
88 DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS

(b) Use Eq. (5-3).

V 12
I1 = = = 0.6 A Ans.
R1 20
V 12
I2 = = = 0.4 A Ans.
R2 30

(c) IT = I1 + I2 = 0.6 + 0.4 = 1 A Ans.

Or, as a check,

V 12
IT = = = 1A Ans.
RT 12

5.5 Find the total resistance RT of each resistance arrangement in Fig. 5-17.

Fig. 5-17

(a) Use Eq. (5-7) for two parallel branches.

R 1 R2 12(20) 240
RT = = = = 7.5  Ans.
R1 + R 2 12 + 20 32

(b) Since all the resistances are equal, use Eq. (5-6).

R 300
RT = = = 100  Ans.
N 3

(c) For three parallel branches with different resistances, use Eq. (5-5).

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11
= + + = + + =
RT R1 R2 R3 12 24 36 72
72
RT = = 6.55  Ans.
11

Note that the total resistance of a parallel circuit is always less than the smallest resistance of any
individual resistor.
CHAP. 5] DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS 89

5.6 A spotlight of unknown resistance is placed in parallel with an automobile cigarette lighter of 75 
resistance (Fig. 5-18). If a current of 0.8 A flows when a voltage of 12 V is applied, find the resistance
of the spotlight.

Fig. 5-18

Find RT .

V
RT = (5-4)
IT
12
RT = = 15 
0.8

Then use Eq. (5-8) to the unknown resistance.

RRT 75(15) 1125

Rx = = = = 18.8  Ans.
R − RT 75 − 15 60

Another way to find the answer is to use Ohm’s law and the total current equation.

12
Ilighter = = 0.16 A Ans.
75
Ispot = 0.8 − 0.16 = 0.64 A Ans.
12
Rspot = = 18.75 = 18.8  Ans.
0.64

5.7 (a) Derive Eq. (5-7) RT = R1 R2 /(R1 + R2 ) from the reciprocal formula for two parallel resistances.
(b) Derive a formula for RT , given three parallel resistances.
(a) 1 1 1
= + (5-5)
RT R1 R2

Add fractions.

1 R2 R1 R1 + R2
= + =
RT R 1 R2 R1 R2 R1 R 2

Invert.

R 1 R2
RT = which is Eq. (5-7)
R1 + R 2
90 DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS

(b) Use the formula

1 1 1 1
= + = (5-5)
RT R1 R2 R3

Find the common denominator and combine numerators.

1 R2 R3 + R1 R3 + R1 R2
=
RT R 1 R2 R3

Invert.
R1 R2 R3
RT = Ans.
R 1 R2 + R 1 R 3 + R 2 R3

5.8 Find the voltage required to send 2 A through a parallel combination of a 20-, a 30-, and a 40-
resistance (Fig. 5-19).

Fig. 5-19

Find RT .

1 1 1 1
= + + (5-5)
RT R1 R2 R3
1 1 1 13
= + + =
20 30 40 120
120
RT = = 9.23 
13
Then V = IT RT = 2(9.23) = 18.5 V Ans.

As a check,

V 18.5
I1 = = = 0.925 A
R1 20
V 18.5
I2 = = = 0.617 A
R2 30
V 18.5
I3 = = = 0.463 A
R3 40
IT = I1 + I2 + I3 = 0.925 + 0.617 + 0.463 = 2.005 ≈ 2 A

which checks with the given value. (The sum of the currents is not exactly 2 A due to rounding off the
individual branch currents.)
CHAP. 5] DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS 91

5.9 Two resistances are arranged in parallel (Fig. 5-20). Find the current in each resistance.
Use formulas for the division of current.
R2
I1 = IT (5-9)
R1 + R 2
18 18
= 30 = 30 = 6 mA Ans.
18 + 72 90

R1
I2 = IT (5-10)
R1 + R 2
72 72
= 30 = 30 = 24 mA Ans.
18 + 72 90

Check: IT = I1 + I2 = 6 + 24 = 30 mA, which agrees with the given value.

Fig. 5-20 Fig. 5-21

5.10 Two resistors, each dissipating 2 W, are connected in parallel across 40 V (Fig. 5-21). What is the
current in each resistor? What is the total current drawn?
Find I1 , I2 , IT .

P1 2
I1 = = = 0.05 A Ans.
V 40
P2 2
I2 = = = 0.05 A Ans.
V 40
IT = I1 + I2 = 0.05 + 0.05 = 0.1 A Ans.

Check:

PT = P1 + P2 = 2 + 2 = 4 W
PT 4
IT = = = 0.1 A
V 40
which agrees with the previously calculated value.

5.11 The combined resistance of a coffee percolator and toaster in parallel is 24 . Find the total power
used if the line voltage is 120 V.

V2 (120)2
PT = = = 600 W Ans.
RT 24
92 DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS

5.12 Find I3 in the parallel current–divider circuit (Fig. 5-22).

Fig. 5-22

Find RT .

1 1 1 1 1
= + + +
RT R1 R2 R3 R4
1 1 1 1 32
=+ + + = (5-5)
4 4 5 10 40
40
RT = = 1.25 
32

Find V .

V = IT RT = 96(1.25) = 120 mV

Then find I3 .

V 120
I3 = = = 24 mA Ans.
R3 5

Supplementary Problems

5.13 Write the word or words which most correctly complete the following statements.
(a) There is only voltage across all components in parallel.
(b) If a parallel circuit is open in the main line, the current is in all the branches.
(c) For any number of conductances in parallel, their values are to obtain GT .
(d) When IT divides into branch currents, each branch current is proportional to
the branch resistance.
(e) The sum of the values of power dissipated in parallel resistances equals the
power produced by the source.

Ans. (a) one; (b) zero; (c) added; (d) inversely; (e) individual, total

5.14 A 100- and a 150- resistor are connected in parallel. What is the total resistance?
Ans. RT = 60 

5.15 When the voltage across R4 is 10 V, what is the source voltage in Fig. 5-23?
Ans. V = 10 V
CHAP. 5] DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS 93

Fig. 5-23

5.16 Find the equivalent resistances in the circuits shown in Fig. 5-24.
Ans. (a) RT = 1 ; (b) RT = 2 ; (c) RT = 4.8 ; (d) RT = 3.6 

Fig. 5-24

5.17 Find the missing branch or total current as indicated in Fig. 5-25.
Ans. (a) IT = 3 A; (b) I3 = 2 A

Fig. 5-25

5.18 Four equal resistances are connected in parallel across a 90-V source. If the resistances are 36  for
each branch, find the total resistance and the total current. Ans. RT = 9 ; IT = 10 A

5.19 Find the total resistance, each branch current, and total current (Fig. 5-26).
Ans. RT = 2.67 ; I1 = 2 A; I2 = 1 A; IT = 3 A

5.20 In the circuit shown (Fig. 5-27), find the total resistance, each branch current, and total current.
Ans. RT = 4 ; I1 = 20 A; I2 = 4 A; I3 = 1 A; IT = 25 A

5.21 If the 25- resistor is removed from the circuit in Fig. 5-27, what is the total current and total
resistance? Ans. IT = 21 A; RT = 4.76 
94 DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS

Fig. 5-26 Fig. 5-27

5.22 An ammeter (instrument that measures current) carries 0.05 A and is in parallel with a shunt resistor
drawing 1.9 A (Fig. 5-28). If the voltage across the combination is 4.2 V, find (a) the total current,
(b) resistance of the shunt, (c) resistance of the ammeter, and (d) total resistance.
Ans. (a) IT = 1.95 A; (b) Shunt R = 2.21 ; (c) Ammeter R = 84.0 ; (d) RT = 2.15 

Fig. 5-28

5.23 Find the total resistance, each branch current, and total current (Fig. 5-29).
Ans. RT = 2.67 ; I1 = 8 A; I2 = 6 A; I3 = 4 A; IT = 18 A

Fig. 5-29

5.24 A circuit consists of five identical resistances connected in parallel across a voltage source. If the total
circuit current is 1 A, what is the current through each resistance? Ans. I = 0.2 A

5.25 In the circuit of Fig. 5-30, find V if I3 = 0.2 A. Then find IT . Ans. V = 2 V; IT = 0.4 A

5.26 The ignition coil and the starting motor of a car are connected in parallel across a 12-V battery through
an ignition switch (Fig. 5-31). Find (a) the total current drawn from the battery, (b) the voltage across
the coil and the motor, and (c) the total resistance of the circuit.
Ans. (a) I = 105 A; (b) V1 = V2 = 12 V; (c) RT = 0.114 
CHAP. 5] DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS 95

Fig. 5-30 Fig. 5-31

5.27 Two headlight lamps, each drawing 4 A, and two taillight lamps, each drawing 1 A, are wired in parallel
across a 12-V storage battery. What is the total current drawn and the total resistance of the circuit?
Ans. IT = 10 A; RT = 1.2 

5.28 What is the value of a resistor that must be connected in parallel across a 100-k resistance to reduce
RT to (a) 50 k, (b) 25 k, and (c) 10 k?
Ans. (a) Rx = 100 k; (b) Rx = 33.3 k; (c) Rx = 11.1 k

5.29 What resistance must be connected in parallel with a 20- and a 60- resistor in parallel in order to
provide a total resistance of 10 ? Ans. 30 

5.30 Two resistances are connected in parallel. R1 = 24 , R2 = 24 , and IT = 6 A. Find the current in
each branch. Ans. I1 = I2 = 3 A

5.31 Find the current in each branch of a parallel circuit consisting of a 20- percolator and a 30- toaster
if the total current is 10 A. Ans. I in percolator = 6 A; I in toaster = 4 A

5.32 Find the missing values in Fig. 5-32. Ans. V = 4.5 V; I1 = 1.50 A; I2 = 1.13 A; I3 = 0.38 A

Fig. 5-32 Fig. 5-33

5.33 Find the missing values in Fig. 5-33.

Ans. R3 = 40 ; RT = 5.33 ; I1 = 3.2 A; I2 = 2 A; IT = 6 A

5.34 Find the total conductance in siemens for the following parallel branches: G1 = 6000 µS, G2 =
7000 µS, and G3 = 20 000 µS. Ans. GT = 33 000 µS

5.35 IT is 12 mA for two branch resistances. R1 is 10 k and R2 is 36 k. Find I1 and I2 in this parallel
current–divider circuit. Ans. I1 = 9.39 mA; I2 = 2.61 mA

5.36 What is the total power used by a 4.5-A electric iron, a 0.9-A fan, and a 2.4-A refrigerator motor if
they are all connected in parallel across a 120-V line? Ans. PT = 936 W
96 DIRECT-CURRENT PARALLEL CIRCUITS

5.37 Find the power drawn from a 12-V battery by a parallel circuit of two headlights, each drawing 4.2 A,
and two taillights, each drawing 0.9 A. Ans. PT = 122.4 W

5.38 Five 150-W light bulbs are connected in parallel across a 120-V power line. If one bulb opens, how
many bulbs can light? Ans. Four

5.39 In Fig. 5-34 find (a) each branch current; (b) IT ; (c) RT ; and (d) P1 , P2 , P3 , and PT .
Ans. (a) I1 = 30 mA, I2 = 14.6 mA, I3 = 60 mA; (b) IT = 104.6 mA; (c) RT = 1.15 k;
(d) P1 = 3.60 W, P2 = 1.75 W, P3 = 7.20 W, PT = 12.6 W

Fig. 5-34

5.40 Find R2 in Fig. 5-35. Ans. R2 = 1 k

Fig. 5-35

5.41 Refer to Fig. 5-34 and assume that R2 opens. (a) What is the current through R2 ? (b) What is the
current through R1 ? and through R3 ? (c) What is the line or total current? (d) What is the total
resistance of the circuit? (e) How much power is generated by the battery?
Ans. (a) I2 = 0 A; (b) I1 = 30 mA, I3 = 60 mA; (c) IT = 90 mA; (d) RT = 1.33 k;
(e) PT = 10.8 W

5.42 Find I2 and I4 in the parallel current–divider circuit (Fig. 5-36). Ans. I2 = 2.5 A; I4 = 1.67 A

Fig. 5-36