Which phenomenon occurs if you add more branches to a parallel circuit?

• A. Resistance increases
• B. Total current decreases
• C. Voltage drops
• D. Total current increases

Answer: (D)

When more branches are added to a parallel circuit, the total current increases. In a parallel configuration, each branch offers an additional path for current to flow. According to Ohm's law and the principles of parallel circuits, the overall resistance decreases as more branches are added. This lower total resistance allows more current to flow from the power source.

In parallel circuits, the voltage across each branch remains the same and is equal to the supply voltage; thus, it does not drop. Each branch can take as much current as it needs, depending on its own resistance. Therefore, as more parallel branches are added, the total current drawn from the power source increases as each new branch contributes additional current.