Parallel Circuits · Physics Reference Tables (2025 Edition)
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The Parallel Circuits box from the Reference Tables for Physical Science: Physics (2025 Edition) gives the three rules for components connected in parallel. It primarily supports HS-PS3-6, together with the Electricity equations and the Series Circuits box.
| Parallel Circuits |
|---|
| I = I1 + I2 + I3 + … |
| V = V1 = V2 = V3 = … |
| 1Req = 1R1 + 1R2 + 1R3 + … |
What the parallel circuits box shows
In a parallel circuit each branch is connected directly across the source, so every branch has the same potential difference; the current from the source splits among the branches, so the branch currents add up to the total; and the reciprocals of the resistances add, so the equivalent resistance is smaller than the smallest branch resistance, and adding a branch raises the total current. With V = IR these rules give the current in each branch.
Rows
Each row of the table has an anchor, so a link or an {{Rt}} chip (Template:Rt) can point at one equation or constant:
parallel-current– I = I1 + I2 + …parallel-voltage– V = V1 = V2 = …parallel-resistance– 1/Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + …
Regents Exam Questions
Released Regents questions that cannot be answered without this table, listed by exam. Each link opens the question with its answer key; the standard is the one the question assesses.
| Exam | Cluster | Question | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2026 Physics Regents | Flashlight Physics | Question 33 | HS-PS3-6 |