Arizona Esthetics State Board Practice Exam

What happens to the total current in a parallel circuit as more branches are added?

1. It decreases

2. It remains the same

3. It increases

4. It fluctuates

The correct answer is: It increases

In a parallel circuit, each branch provides an independent path for the current to flow. When additional branches are added, the total current in the circuit increases. This is because the overall resistance of the circuit decreases with the addition of multiple paths for the current to follow. According to Ohm’s law (I = V/R), if the voltage remains constant and resistance decreases, the total current must increase. Therefore, as more branches are added to a parallel circuit, the total current flowing from the source rises, allowing more charge to flow through the circuit. This behavior aligns with the theoretical principles governing electric circuits, where the sum of the currents in each branch equals the total current provided by the source, further confirming that adding branches results in a higher total current.