If you have a 48 Ω resistor in parallel with a 16 Ω resistor across a 12 V supply, what is the current through each resistor and the total current?

• A. I_48 = 0.25 A; I_16 = 0.75 A; Itotal = 1.0 A.
• B. I_48 = 0.5 A; I_16 = 0.5 A; Itotal = 1.0 A
• C. I_48 = 0.25 A; I_16 = 0.25 A; Itotal = 0.5 A
• D. I_48 = 1.0 A; I_16 = 0.5 A; Itotal = 1.5 A

Answer: (D)

In a parallel circuit, each resistor has the same voltage across it, equal to the supply voltage. So both resistors see 12 V.

Using Ohm’s law for each path:

• Through 48 Ω: I = 12 V / 48 Ω = 0.25 A

• Through 16 Ω: I = 12 V / 16 Ω = 0.75 A

The total current drawn from the supply is the sum of the branch currents: 0.25 A + 0.75 A = 1.0 A.

You can also check by finding the equivalent resistance: 1/Rt = 1/48 + 1/16 = 1/12, so Rt = 12 Ω, and Itotal = 12 V / 12 Ω = 1 A.