In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each branch is:

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each branch is:

• A. Greater than the source voltage
• B. Zero
• C. Varies depending on the branch
• D. Equal to the source voltage

Answer: (D)

In a parallel circuit, all branches connect directly across the same two nodes, so each branch experiences the same potential difference as the source. That means the voltage across any branch equals the source voltage in an ideal circuit. The current, not the voltage, splits among the branches according to each branch’s resistance, so branches with lower resistance carry more current while the voltage remains the same. If a branch is open, there’s no current, but the voltage across that branch’s terminals is still the source voltage in principle. In real circuits, tiny drops can occur due to wiring and source resistance, but the intended behavior is that each branch has the same voltage as the source.

In a parallel circuit, all branches connect directly across the same two nodes, so each branch experiences the same potential difference as the source. That means the voltage across any branch equals the source voltage in an ideal circuit. The current, not the voltage, splits among the branches according to each branch’s resistance, so branches with lower resistance carry more current while the voltage remains the same. If a branch is open, there’s no current, but the voltage across that branch’s terminals is still the source voltage in principle. In real circuits, tiny drops can occur due to wiring and source resistance, but the intended behavior is that each branch has the same voltage as the source.