In a parallel circuit, is the voltage across each resistor the same or does it vary?

In a parallel circuit, is the voltage across each resistor the same or does it vary?

• A. Yes, the voltage is the same across all branches.
• B. No, it varies by branch.
• C. It is zero on some branches.
• D. It depends on current.

Answer: (A)

In a parallel circuit, all components connect across the same two points, so they share the same potential difference. That means the voltage across every branch equals the source voltage. The currents through each branch can differ because each resistor presents a different resistance, but the voltage across each one stays the same. For example, with a 9-volt source, each resistor in parallel experiences 9 volts across it, while the current in each branch is determined by I = V/R for that branch. This is different from a series circuit, where the current is the same through all components and the voltage divides among them. A branch having zero voltage would only happen if that branch were open or there was a fault, not in a normal parallel arrangement.

In a parallel circuit, all components connect across the same two points, so they share the same potential difference. That means the voltage across every branch equals the source voltage. The currents through each branch can differ because each resistor presents a different resistance, but the voltage across each one stays the same. For example, with a 9-volt source, each resistor in parallel experiences 9 volts across it, while the current in each branch is determined by I = V/R for that branch. This is different from a series circuit, where the current is the same through all components and the voltage divides among them. A branch having zero voltage would only happen if that branch were open or there was a fault, not in a normal parallel arrangement.