In a parallel circuit, what is the voltage across each resistor relative to the source voltage?

In a parallel circuit, what is the voltage across each resistor relative to the source voltage?

• A. The voltage across each resistor is the average of the source voltage.
• B. The voltages across each resistor add up to the source voltage.
• C. The voltage across each resistor is half the source voltage.
• D. The voltage across each resistor equals the source voltage.

Answer: (D)

In a parallel circuit, all components are connected across the same two points, so each branch experiences the same potential difference as the source. That means the voltage across each resistor is the same as the source voltage. The currents in the different branches can differ and add up to the total current, but the voltage across every resistor remains equal to the supply. The other ideas don’t fit because average or half voltages apply to different arrangements (like series circuits or voltage dividers), not to parallel ones under ideal conditions.

In a parallel circuit, all components are connected across the same two points, so each branch experiences the same potential difference as the source. That means the voltage across each resistor is the same as the source voltage. The currents in the different branches can differ and add up to the total current, but the voltage across every resistor remains equal to the supply. The other ideas don’t fit because average or half voltages apply to different arrangements (like series circuits or voltage dividers), not to parallel ones under ideal conditions.