Three resistors connected in parallel each carry currents labeled I₁,I₂ and I₃.Which of the following expresses the value of the total current I_T in the combined system? A)I_T = I₁ + I₂ + I₃ B)I_T = (1/I₁ + 1/I₂ + 1/I₃) C)I_T = I₁ = I₂ = I₃ D)I_T = (1/I₁ + 1/I₂ + 1/I₃)−¹

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When resistors are connected in parallel, the total current is the sum of the individual currents. Therefore, the expression for the total current in the combined system would be I_T = I₁ + I₂ + I₃. Option A expresses this relationship correctly. Option B is incorrect as it expresses the reciprocals of the individual currents. Option C is incorrect as it assumes that all three currents are equal. Option D is incorrect as it includes an additional term, ¹, which is not a component of the expression for the total current in parallel circuits.

Three Resistors Connected in Parallel Each Carry Currents Labeled I1,I2

Three Resistors Connected in Parallel Each Carry Currents Labeled I₁,I₂