Current in Parallel Circuits

• What is a parallel circuit?

  A circuit with branches for current flow
• How does current flow in a parallel circuit?

  Current splits among the branches
• What is the conventional direction of current flow?

  From positive to negative
• What device is used to measure current?

  An ammeter
• What characterizes a series circuit?

  It has only one path for current
• What is the current leaving the cell in the example?

  0.3 amp
• How does current behave in the branches of a parallel circuit?

  It adds up to the total current
• If the current in the upper branch is 0.1 amp, what is the current in the lower branch if total current is 0.3 amp?

  0.2 amp
• If the current in the upper branch is 0.4 amp and in the lower branch is 0.3 amp, what is the total current leaving the cell?

  0.7 amp
• What is the key fact about current in parallel circuits?

  • Current in branches adds up to total current
  • Total current is the sum of branch currents
• What will be discussed in the later video regarding parallel circuits?

  Factors determining current in branches
• What should you be able to describe after watching the video?

  • Definition of a parallel circuit
  • Pattern of current flow in a parallel circuit