Parallel current divider
One source, two branches: how much current flows through each?
In a parallel circuit every branch has the same voltage, and the total current in the main line equals the sum of the branch currents. With an ideal source, changing the resistance of one branch does not change the current in the other. The branch with the smaller resistance carries the larger current.
Branch current vs. voltage
When the two resistances are equal, the branch current curves coincide.
Think about it
Does increasing R₂ affect the current in branch 1?
No. The ideal source keeps the voltage U fixed, so I₁ = U/R₁ is unaffected by R₂; the current in branch 2 decreases, so the total current in the main line decreases as well.
Model assumptionsIdeal constant-voltage source and ohmic resistors · No wire resistance · Dots show the conventional current direction; their speed only indicates the current size
Data log
Set the parameters and click “Record data”. Record several rows with different parameters to plot their relationship and fit a straight line; pause and record at different times to study how a reading changes with time.