In a parallel circuit, how does the voltage across each branch compare to the source voltage?

In a parallel circuit, how does the voltage across each branch compare to the source voltage?

• A. It is greater than the source
• B. It is less than the source
• C. It is the same as the source
• D. It equals zero

Answer: (C)

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each branch is the same as the source voltage because all branches are connected directly across the same two nodes. The source fixes the potential difference between those two points, so every branch experiences that same voltage, even though the currents through each branch can differ depending on each branch’s resistance. The current splits among branches, but the driving voltage does not change.

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each branch is the same as the source voltage because all branches are connected directly across the same two nodes. The source fixes the potential difference between those two points, so every branch experiences that same voltage, even though the currents through each branch can differ depending on each branch’s resistance. The current splits among branches, but the driving voltage does not change.