FIGURE 21-9
-A 4.0-Ω resistor is connected in parallel with a 12-Ω resistor and both of these are connected to a DC power supply with voltage V as shown in Figure 21-9. If the total current in this circuit is 2.0 A, what is the current through the 4.0-Ω resistor?
A) 2.0 A
B) 2.5 A
C) 0.5 A
D) 3.0 A
E) 1.5 A

Question

FIGURE 21-9 
-A 4.0-Ω resistor is connected in parallel with a 12-Ω resistor and both of these are connected to a DC power supply with voltage V as shown in Figure 21-9. If the total current in this circuit is 2.0 A, what is the current through the 4.0-Ω resistor?
A) 2.0 A 
B) 2.5 A 
C) 0.5 A 
D) 3.0 A 
E) 1.5 A

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The total current is divided between the resistors in parallel. The current through the 4.0-Ω resistor is calculated using the formula I = V/R. The voltage across both resistors is the same, and the current through the 4.0-Ω resistor is higher due to its lower resistance. Using the formula for parallel resistors and the given total current, the current through the 4.0-Ω resistor is 1.5 A.

FIGURE 21-9 -A 4.0-Ω Resistor Is Connected in Parallel with a 12-Ω