Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

In a parallel combination, all resistors are connected between the same two points, so the same potential difference (V) acts across each of them.

However, by Ohm's law, current through each resistor is $I = V/R$. Since the resistors have different resistances, the current through each is different:

$$I_1 = \frac{V}{R_1}, \quad I_2 = \frac{V}{R_2}, \quad I_3 = \frac{V}{R_3}$$

A resistor with lower resistance allows more current, and one with higher resistance allows less current, even though the potential difference across each is the same.

Source: Chapter 11, Section 11.6.2 – Resistors in Parallel

---

• Key concept 1: In parallel, both ends of every resistor are connected to the same two nodes → same V across each. This is a direct consequence of the circuit arrangement.
• Key concept 2: Ohm's law ($I = V/R$) then gives different currents because R values differ.
• Examiners award 1 mark for explaining why V is the same and 1 mark for applying Ohm's law to explain why I differs.
• Write the formula $I = V/R$ explicitly — it shows you're grounding the answer in Ohm's law, not just stating it vaguely.