In a parallel DC circuit, which statement is true?

• A. The current in amperes can be found by dividing the EMF in volts by the sum of the resistors in ohms.
• B. The total current is equal to the sum of the currents through the individual branches of the circuit.
• C. The current is equal in all portions of the circuit.
• D. The voltage drop across each branch is equal to the EMF.

Answer: (B)

In a parallel DC circuit, the current from the source splits into the branches, and the total current is the sum of the currents through each branch. This is the key relationship described by Kirchhoff’s current law at the node where the branches meet. Because currents divide, the overall current you measure from the source equals the sum of what flows in each branch, making the statement that the total current equals the sum of branch currents the correct one.

The other statements don’t hold as universally. Dividing the EMF by the sum of resistances gives the current for a series circuit, not a parallel one. Currents in parallel aren’t all the same; they vary depending on each branch’s resistance. And while each branch shares the same voltage, saying that this drop equals the EMF assumes an ideal source; with real sources there can be internal resistance, so the branch voltage equals the terminal voltage, not necessarily the EMF itself.