In a parallel circuit, what is true about current distribution among branches?

• A. The total current from the source equals the sum of branch currents.
• B. The current through each branch is the same as the source current.
• C. The voltage across each branch is different.
• D. Branch currents do not depend on branch resistances.

Answer: (A)

In a parallel circuit, all branches are connected to the same two nodes, so the voltage across each branch is the same. The current from the source splits into the branches, and the total current is the sum of those branch currents. This is why the total current from the source equals the sum of the currents in the branches.

To connect the pieces: each branch conducts I = V/R_branch, with V equal to the source voltage. Because different branches can have different resistances, their currents differ, but they all add up to the source current. The voltage across each branch cannot be different (it’s the same as the source), and branch currents certainly depend on branch resistances.