In the diagram, each resistor is 3 ohms, and the battery is 9 volts. What is the current through the middle resistor?
A) 3 A to the right
B) 3 A to the left
C) 9 A to the right
D) 9 A to the left
E) 1 A to the left

Question

In the diagram, each resistor is 3 ohms, and the battery is 9 volts. What is the current through the middle resistor? 
A) 3 A to the right 
B) 3 A to the left 
C) 9 A to the right 
D) 9 A to the left 
E) 1 A to the left

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The current in the top and bottom branches will be split evenly between the two resistors, creating a total current of 6A in the circuit. Since the current always flows from the high potential (positive end of the battery) to the low potential (negative end of the battery), the current will flow from left to right through the top and bottom resistors. Therefore, the current through the middle resistor must be in the opposite direction, flowing from right to left. Since each resistor has a resistance of 3 ohms and the voltage across the middle resistor is 9 volts (the same as the battery), the current through the middle resistor must be 3A, in the opposite direction of the other two branches.

In the Diagram, Each Resistor Is 3 Ohms, and the Battery