What Determines Current Flow in Each Branch of a Parallel Circuit?

[david18]

Hi could someone explain what determines the amount of current going through each branch in a parallel cicuit. Does it just depend on the amount of resistance in each branch?

Im not looking for a complex explanation, but just the basic idea

 

[stewartcs]

Hi could someone explain what determines the amount of current going through each branch in a parallel cicuit. Does it just depend on the amount of resistance in each branch?

Im not looking for a complex explanation, but just the basic idea

In a simple parallel DC circuit, the amount of current flow through each branch is dependent upon the resistance of each branch (per Ohm's Law).

CS

 

[stewartcs]

Here is a quick visual...

http://www.tpub.com/neets/book1/chapter3/1-25.htm

Hope that helps.

CS