In a parallel circuit with a 10 W, a 20 W, and a 30 W resistor, where does the highest current flow occur?

Team up with Examzify to ace your Gas Technician Certification Test. Explore comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly and succeed!

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across all components is the same, and the total current flowing from the source is divided among the branches according to the resistance values. The relationship between power, voltage, and current can be described by the equation ( P = V \times I ), where P is power, V is voltage, and I is current.

In this case, the resistors have power ratings of 10 W, 20 W, and 30 W. To understand where the highest current flows, it's beneficial to rearrange the power formula to find the current: ( I = \frac{P}{V} ).

Given that the resistors are in parallel and assuming they are supplied by the same voltage source, the current through each resistor can be determined:

  • For the 10 W resistor, the current would be ( I_{10} = \frac{10W}{V} ).

  • For the 20 W resistor, ( I_{20} = \frac{20W}{V} ).

  • For the 30 W resistor, ( I_{30} = \frac{30W}{V} ).

When comparing these currents, the calculation reveals that the 30 W resistor will carry the highest

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy