How does the total current relate to the individual currents in a circuit of parallel resistors?
The correct answer is C: It equals the sum of the currents through each branch. How the total current relates to the individual currents in a circuit of parallel resistors is that it equals the sum of the currents through each branch. In parallel circuits, total current is the sum of branch currents. For amateur radio operators, this is a fundamental circuit principle. Understanding this helps when analyzing parallel circuits.
Exam Tip
Parallel resistors total current = sum of branch currents. Think 'P'arallel 'C'urrent = 'P'lus all 'C'urrents. In parallel circuits, total current equals the sum of currents through each branch. Not average, not decreases, not reciprocal voltage - just sum.
Memory Aid
"Parallel resistors total current = sum of branch currents. Think 'P'arallel 'C'urrent = 'P'lus all 'C'urrents. Total current equals the sum of currents through each branch. Fundamental parallel circuit principle."
Real-World Application
Three resistors in parallel: Branch 1 has 2 amps, Branch 2 has 3 amps, Branch 3 has 1 amp. Total current = 2 + 3 + 1 = 6 amps. In parallel circuits, total current is the sum of all branch currents. This is Kirchhoff's current law.
Key Concepts
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Total current isn't the average - it's the sum. Average would be sum divided by number of branches, not the total.
Option B: Incorrect. Total current doesn't decrease as more branches are added - it increases. More parallel branches mean more total current.
Option D: Incorrect. Total current isn't the sum of reciprocal voltage drops - that's not how parallel circuits work. Current is the sum, not reciprocal voltage drops.
题目解析
The correct answer is C: It equals the sum of the currents through each branch. How the total current relates to the individual currents in a circuit of parallel resistors is that it equals the sum of the currents through each branch. In parallel circuits, total current is the sum of branch currents. For amateur radio operators, this is a fundamental circuit principle. Understanding this helps when analyzing parallel circuits.
考试技巧
Parallel resistors total current = sum of branch currents. Think 'P'arallel 'C'urrent = 'P'lus all 'C'urrents. In parallel circuits, total current equals the sum of currents through each branch. Not average, not decreases, not reciprocal voltage - just sum.
记忆口诀
Parallel resistors total current = sum of branch currents. Think 'P'arallel 'C'urrent = 'P'lus all 'C'urrents. Total current equals the sum of currents through each branch. Fundamental parallel circuit principle.
实际应用示例
Three resistors in parallel: Branch 1 has 2 amps, Branch 2 has 3 amps, Branch 3 has 1 amp. Total current = 2 + 3 + 1 = 6 amps. In parallel circuits, total current is the sum of all branch currents. This is Kirchhoff's current law.
错误选项分析
Option A: Incorrect. Total current isn't the average - it's the sum. Average would be sum divided by number of branches, not the total. Option B: Incorrect. Total current doesn't decrease as more branches are added - it increases. More parallel branches mean more total current. Option D: Incorrect. Total current isn't the sum of reciprocal voltage drops - that's not how parallel circuits work. Current is the sum, not reciprocal voltage drops.
知识点
Parallel resistors, Total current, Sum of branch currents, Parallel circuits
Verified Content
Question from official FCC General Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.