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ASVAB · Circuits and Ohm's Law

In a parallel circuit with three resistors of 10Ω, 20Ω, and 20Ω, which branch carries the most current?

Correct answer

The 10Ω branch — lower resistance means higher current flows through that branch (I = V/R; same voltage, lower resistance = more current)

  1. A All branches carry equal current
  2. B The 20Ω branches — they are identical so they share equally
  3. C The 10Ω branch — lower resistance means higher current flows through that branch (I = V/R; same voltage, lower resistance = more current)
  4. D Parallel circuits have no current flow

Why this is the answer

PARALLEL CIRCUIT CURRENT DISTRIBUTION: In a parallel circuit, ALL branches share the SAME VOLTAGE (equal to the supply voltage). Current in each branch is determined by Ohm's Law: I = V/R. The 10Ω branch has the lowest resistance, so with the same voltage applied, it carries the most current (twice as much as each 20Ω branch). This is why fuses and circuit breakers are connected in series — if resistance drops (short circuit), current in that branch increases dramatically, blowing the fuse.
Source: ASVAB EI, Parallel Circuits — Current Distribution

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