In a parallel network with R1 = 2 Ω, R2 = 4 Ω, and R3 = 4 Ω connected to 12 V, which resistor carries the greatest current?

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Multiple Choice

In a parallel network with R1 = 2 Ω, R2 = 4 Ω, and R3 = 4 Ω connected to 12 V, which resistor carries the greatest current?

Explanation:
In a parallel circuit the same voltage appears across every resistor, so the currents in each branch depend on that branch’s resistance via I = V/R. With the same voltage, smaller resistance yields larger current. Therefore, the resistor with the smallest resistance carries the greatest current. The other two resistors have larger resistances, so their currents are smaller.

In a parallel circuit the same voltage appears across every resistor, so the currents in each branch depend on that branch’s resistance via I = V/R. With the same voltage, smaller resistance yields larger current. Therefore, the resistor with the smallest resistance carries the greatest current. The other two resistors have larger resistances, so their currents are smaller.

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