current in a parallel circuit Flashcards
1
Q
what’s different about a parallel circuit than a series circuit?
A
A parallel circuit contains branches
2
Q
what do we use to measure how the current splits in a parallel circuit?
A
Ammeters
3
Q
if the ammeter measure the current is 0.5A leaving the cell and another ammeter measures the current at 0.2A in the first branch, what is the current flow in the ammeter on the second branch?
A
0.3A
This is because 0.5A - 0.2A = 0.3A
The current in the branches adds up to the total current leaving the cell