DC Fundamentals Unit 8 – Parallel Resistive Circuits
Exercise 2 – Voltage/Current in a Parallel Circuit....................................................................
EXERCISE OBJECTIVE
When you have completed this exercise, you will be able to determine voltage and current flow
in a parallel circuit by using a formula. You will verify your results with a multimeter.
EXERCISE DISCUSSION
- In a parallel circuit, the voltage source is applied across each branch and is common to all
branches. - Because the voltage across each branch is the same as the voltage source, the branch current
can be determined using Ohm’s law. - Parallel circuits provide multiple paths (branches) for current; therefore, the sum of the
branch currents equals the total circuit current.