SkyDrill

Voltage across parallel branches

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 23 of 41 on Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics. ACS element AM.I.A.K15 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONIn a parallel circuit, how does the voltage across one branch compare with the voltage across the other branches?

  1. AIt is the same across every branch
  2. BIt divides in proportion to each branch's resistance
  3. CIt is highest across the branch with the lowest resistance
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. It is the same across every branch

  • A — correct The first rule of the parallel circuit is that the voltage across any branch is equal to the voltage across all of the other branches.
  • B — incorrect Voltage divides in proportion to resistance in a series circuit; in a parallel circuit it is the current, not the voltage, that differs between branches.
  • C — incorrect The lowest-resistance branch carries the most current, but the voltage across it is the same as across every other branch.

BACKGROUND

A parallel circuit is one in which two or more resistances or loads are connected across the same voltage source, so more than one path is provided for current. Each path is called a branch. The voltage across any branch is equal to the voltage across all of the other branches. The current, on the other hand, divides among the branches according to their resistance: branches with higher resistance carry less current, and the total current is the sum of the branch currents.

STUDY TIP

Parallel: same voltage, different currents. Series: same current, different voltage drops.

KEY POINTS

  • Parallel branches all see the same voltage.
  • Branch current is inversely proportional to branch resistance.
  • Total current equals the sum of the branch currents.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch12 "Parallel DC Circuits" - "Voltage Drops"; "Current Dividers"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON FUNDAMENTALS OF ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRONICS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.