In the circuit shown, a 12 V battery is connected to a 6 Ω resistor and a 3 Ω resistor in parallel. What is the total current supplied by the battery?
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer
C. 6 A
Principle or equation
For resistors in parallel, the equivalent resistance is given by 1/R_eq = 1/R1 + 1/R2. The total current from the battery is I = V / R_eq.
Why this answer is correct
The equivalent resistance is 1/R_eq = 1/6 + 1/3 = 1/6 + 2/6 = 3/6 = 1/2, so R_eq = 2 Ω. The total current is I = 12 V / 2 Ω = 6 A.
Example
If a 12 V battery is connected to a 4 Ω and a 12 Ω resistor in parallel, R_eq = (4×12)/(4+12) = 48/16 = 3 Ω, and I = 12/3 = 4 A.
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