How are voltage and current distributed in parallel circuits?
1 Answer
In parallel circuits, voltage and current are distributed in specific ways that differ from series circuits. In a parallel circuit, multiple components are connected across the same two points, forming multiple paths for current to flow. Here's how voltage and current distribution works in parallel circuits:
Voltage Distribution:
In a parallel circuit, all components (resistors, bulbs, etc.) share the same voltage across their terminals. This means that the voltage across each component is equal to the total voltage applied to the circuit. Regardless of the number or values of components in the circuit, the voltage across each one remains the same.
Current Distribution:
Unlike in a series circuit where the same current flows through all components, in a parallel circuit, the current divides among the branches based on the components' individual resistance values.
Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL): At any junction or node in a parallel circuit, the sum of currents entering the node equals the sum of currents leaving the node. Mathematically, this can be expressed as: ΣI_in = ΣI_out.
Based on this law, we can derive the formula for current distribution in a parallel circuit:
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I_total = I_1 + I_2 + I_3 + ... + I_n
Where:
I_total is the total current entering the parallel branches.
I_1, I_2, I_3, ... I_n are the currents flowing through each individual branch.
The individual branch currents are determined by the components' resistances and Ohm's Law (V = I * R):
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I_1 = V / R_1
I_2 = V / R_2
I_3 = V / R_3
...
I_n = V / R_n
Here, V represents the total voltage applied to the parallel circuit, and R_1, R_2, R_3, ... R_n are the resistances of the individual branches.
In summary, in a parallel circuit, the voltage across all components is the same, while the current divides among the branches based on their individual resistance values. This property allows different components to operate independently with their own specific currents, ensuring that each component receives the appropriate amount of current to function as intended.
Voltage Distribution:
In a parallel circuit, all components (resistors, bulbs, etc.) share the same voltage across their terminals. This means that the voltage across each component is equal to the total voltage applied to the circuit. Regardless of the number or values of components in the circuit, the voltage across each one remains the same.
Current Distribution:
Unlike in a series circuit where the same current flows through all components, in a parallel circuit, the current divides among the branches based on the components' individual resistance values.
Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL): At any junction or node in a parallel circuit, the sum of currents entering the node equals the sum of currents leaving the node. Mathematically, this can be expressed as: ΣI_in = ΣI_out.
Based on this law, we can derive the formula for current distribution in a parallel circuit:
makefile
Copy code
I_total = I_1 + I_2 + I_3 + ... + I_n
Where:
I_total is the total current entering the parallel branches.
I_1, I_2, I_3, ... I_n are the currents flowing through each individual branch.
The individual branch currents are determined by the components' resistances and Ohm's Law (V = I * R):
makefile
Copy code
I_1 = V / R_1
I_2 = V / R_2
I_3 = V / R_3
...
I_n = V / R_n
Here, V represents the total voltage applied to the parallel circuit, and R_1, R_2, R_3, ... R_n are the resistances of the individual branches.
In summary, in a parallel circuit, the voltage across all components is the same, while the current divides among the branches based on their individual resistance values. This property allows different components to operate independently with their own specific currents, ensuring that each component receives the appropriate amount of current to function as intended.