When a branch opens in a parallel circuit, the total current:

When a branch opens in a parallel circuit, the total current:

• A. Remains the same
• B. Decreases
• C. Increases
• D. Becomes zero

Answer: (B)

In a parallel circuit, the current from the source is the sum of the currents through each branch. If a branch opens, that path no longer carries current, so its current becomes zero and the total current from the source decreases by the amount that branch was carrying. The remaining branches keep the same voltage across them, so their currents stay the same, which means the overall current drawn from the source drops. Additionally, opening a branch increases the overall resistance seen by the source, which under a fixed voltage further reduces the total current.

In a parallel circuit, the current from the source is the sum of the currents through each branch. If a branch opens, that path no longer carries current, so its current becomes zero and the total current from the source decreases by the amount that branch was carrying. The remaining branches keep the same voltage across them, so their currents stay the same, which means the overall current drawn from the source drops. Additionally, opening a branch increases the overall resistance seen by the source, which under a fixed voltage further reduces the total current.