Cathodic Protection Tester Practice Exam

Which of the following are the main rules for a parallel circuit?

1. Voltage is the same across all branches.

2. Current is highest at the source.

3. Both voltage drop and current add up to the total power.

4. Power remains constant across all branches.

The correct answer is: Voltage is the same across all branches.

In a parallel circuit, the key characteristic is that the voltage remains constant across all branches. This principle is fundamental to understanding how parallel circuits function. When multiple components (such as resistors or loads) are connected in parallel, they each experience the same voltage from the source. This is due to the nature of parallel connections, where the voltage across each component is equal to that of the total circuit. In this context, although the current can vary in each branch depending on the resistance of the components, the voltage will not change. This is critical for analyzing circuit performance, as it allows for calculations of individual branch currents using Ohm's law, knowing that they all share the same voltage potential from the supply. The other options do not accurately depict the fundamental rules governing parallel circuits. Understanding that voltage is constant across each branch is essential for correctly applying concepts of circuit analysis and making appropriate calculations for current and overall circuit behavior.