What happens to current in a parallel circuit?

In a parallel circuit, the total current flowing through the circuit divides among the multiple pathways available to it, following the principle of conservation of charge. Each pathway corresponds to a branch of the circuit, where the resistance can vary. The current through each branch is inversely proportional to the resistance of that branch; therefore, branches with lower resistance will carry a higher portion of the total current, while those with higher resistance will carry less. This division of current allows parallel circuits to maintain the same voltage across each branch while enabling different currents to flow depending on the resistance in each parallel path.

Understanding this division of current is crucial in both electrical theory and practical applications, as it allows for more complex and efficient designs in electrical systems such as those found in commercial food equipment.