What is the current through a single resistor in a parallel circuit dependent on?

Study for the Electrical Apprenticeship Year 1 Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare for success!

In a parallel circuit, the current through a single resistor is indeed determined by the total voltage applied to the circuit. Each resistor in a parallel configuration has the same voltage across it, which is equal to the total voltage supplied by the source. According to Ohm's Law, the current flowing through each resistor can be calculated using the formula (I = \frac{V}{R}), where (I) is the current, (V) is the voltage across the resistor, and (R) is the resistance.

Since the voltage remains constant across all parallel branches, the current through each resistor varies inversely with its resistance; lower resistance results in higher current, and higher resistance results in lower current. Therefore, the amount of current through a specific resistor is directly influenced by the total voltage of the circuit rather than the individual currents in other branches or just the value of the resistor itself, making the dependence on the applied voltage pivotal in understanding the behavior of currents within parallel circuits.

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