Question

In the circuit diagram given below, the current flowing across 5 ohm resistor is 1 amp. Find the current flowing through the other two resistors.   

Answer 1

Given I = 1 A (Across 5 Ω)
         R = 5 Ω
The potential drop across AB, V = I x R
                                       or  V = 5 Ω x 1 A = 5 V
In a parallel circuit, the potential difference across the ends of all resistors remains the same. Therefore, the potential difference across 4 Ω and 10 Ω will be 5 V:
The current flowing through the 4 Ω resistor, I = V/R.
Here, V = 5 V
         R = 4 Ω
So,  I = 5/4 = 1.25 A
The current flowing through the 10 Ω resistor, I = V/R.
Here, V = 5 V
         R = 10 Ω                                                              
So.   I = 5/10 = 0.5 A