In a parallel circuit the current has more than one path. It splits at the junction, so the branch currents add up to the current from the source. Every branch gets the full supply voltage. Set the two branch resistors, predict the main current, then close the switch: watch the charge divide, more of it down the easier path, and the two branch ammeters add up to the main one.
MissionSet the branches to give a main current of 5 A (within 0.25 A).Round 1Streak 0Best 0
The main current will be:
Supply is fixed at 12 V. Each branch gets the full 12 V.
p.d. across each branch12 V
branch 1 current I₁0.0 A
branch 2 current I₂0.0 A
main current I₁ + I₂0.0 A
I = I₁ + I₂. Each branch has the full 12 V, so I₁ = 12 ÷ R₁ and I₂ = 12 ÷ R₂.