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

• A. Total current decreases
• B. Total current stays the same
• C. Total current increases
• D. Total current fluctuates

Answer: (C)

In a parallel circuit, each branch provides an additional path for current to flow. When more branches are added, the total resistance of the circuit decreases because the total resistance in a parallel configuration is calculated using the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of each branch's resistance. Since the overall resistance decreases, according to Ohm's law, which states that current is equal to voltage divided by resistance (I = V/R), the total current flowing through the circuit will increase if the voltage remains constant. This means that each time a new branch is added, the total current drawn from the power source also increases, allowing more current to flow through the circuit overall. Therefore, the correct conclusion is that total current increases as more branches are added to a parallel circuit.