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

Prepare for the Gas Technician Certification Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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

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