Question

A 5.0Ω resistor, a 10.0Ω resistor, and a 15.0Ω resistor are connected in parallel and placed across a potential difference of 30.0 V. Which of the following is NOT the current of any single branch of the circuit?
Group of answer choices

3 A

6 A

2 A

15 A

Answer 1

To find the current in each branch of the parallel circuit, we can use Ohm's law, which states that the current (I) through a resistor is equal to the voltage (V) across it divided by the resistance (R) of the resistor:

\[ I = \frac{V}{R} \]

Given that the potential difference across the circuit is 30.0 V, we can calculate the current through each resistor.

1. **For the 5.0Ω resistor:**
\[
I_1 = \frac{30.0 \, \text{V}}{5.0 \, \Omega} = 6.0 \, \text{A}
\]

2. **For the 10.0Ω resistor:**
\[
I_2 = \frac{30.0 \, \text{V}}{10.0 \, \Omega} = 3.0 \, \text{A}
\]

3. **For the 15.0Ω resistor:**
\[
I_3 = \frac{30.0 \, \text{V}}{15.0 \, \Omega} = 2.0 \, \text{A}
\]

Thus, the currents for each branch of the circuit are:
- 5.0Ω resistor: 6 A
- 10.0Ω resistor: 3 A
- 15.0Ω resistor: 2 A

Now, we need to determine which of the given options is NOT the current of any single branch:
- 3 A (from the 10.0Ω resistor)
- 6 A (from the 5.0Ω resistor)
- 2 A (from the 15.0Ω resistor)
- 15 A (not calculated)

Therefore, **15 A** is NOT the current of any single branch of the circuit.