In a parallel circuit, what is true about the voltage across loads?

In a parallel circuit, what is true about the voltage across loads?

• A. The voltage across each load depends on its resistance.
• B. The total voltage is the sum across loads.
• C. The voltage is divided among loads.
• D. Each load has the same voltage across it equal to the source voltage.

Answer: (D)

In a parallel circuit, all loads are connected across the same two points, so they all experience the same potential difference as the source. The voltage across each load is the same even though the currents through the loads can be different (I = V/R for each branch). The total current in the circuit is the sum of the branch currents, not the voltages. The idea that voltage is divided among loads describes a series circuit, not a parallel one. So each load has the same voltage across it, equal to the source voltage.

In a parallel circuit, all loads are connected across the same two points, so they all experience the same potential difference as the source. The voltage across each load is the same even though the currents through the loads can be different (I = V/R for each branch). The total current in the circuit is the sum of the branch currents, not the voltages. The idea that voltage is divided among loads describes a series circuit, not a parallel one. So each load has the same voltage across it, equal to the source voltage.