In a parallel circuit, which statement describes the relationship between voltage across branches and current in branches?

• A. Voltage varies; current is the same in all branches
• B. Current is the same in all branches; voltage varies
• C. Voltage is the same across all branches, and current divides among branches
• D. Both voltage and current are zero in all branches

Answer: (C)

In a parallel circuit, the branches share the same two connection points, so the voltage across each branch is identical to the source voltage. Because the voltage is the same for every branch, the current in each branch depends on that branch’s resistance: I = V/R. A branch with lower resistance draws more current, while a higher-resistance branch draws less. The total current from the source is the sum of all branch currents, so current divides among the branches according to their resistances. This is why the correct description is that the voltage is the same across all branches, and current divides among branches. For example, across 10 V, a 1 kΩ branch draws 10 mA and a 2 kΩ branch draws 5 mA, totaling 15 mA.