Question

In parallel connection, voltage across each resistor is .

• A. Different
• B. Same
• C. Zero
• D. Double

Hint:

Use this mnemonic: ``Parallel = Same Voltage, Series = Same Current.''
In parallel: $V_1 = V_2 = V_3 = V_{\text{source}}$, but $I_1 \neq I_2 \neq I_3$ in general.
In series: $I_1 = I_2 = I_3$, but $V_1 + V_2 + V_3 = V_{\text{source}}$.
This is because in parallel, all components connect to the same two nodes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
When electrical components are connected in

parallel, they are all connected between the same two nodes (junction points) of the circuit. This is the defining characteristic of a parallel connection --- all components share the same two terminals, and therefore the same potential difference (voltage) appears across each of them.

Step 1: Understand parallel connection geometrically.
In a parallel circuit, if we have resistors $R_1$, $R_2$, $R_3$ connected in parallel between nodes A and B:

• One end of every resistor is connected to node A.

• The other end of every resistor is connected to node B.

• The voltage from A to B is fixed (let's call it $V$).

• Therefore, the potential difference across $R_1$ = potential difference across $R_2$ = potential difference across $R_3$ = $V$.

Step 2: Recall the two basic circuit laws.

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL): The sum of potential differences around any closed loop is zero. In a parallel branch, each branch forms a separate closed loop with the source, and each loop has the same source voltage across it.

Result: $V_{R_1} = V_{R_2} = V_{R_3} = V$ (the supply voltage).

Step 3: Note the contrast with series connection.
tabular|l|l|l|

Property &

Series &

Parallel
Voltage &

Different (split) &

Same (equal for all)
Current & Same through all & Different (splits)
tabular

Step 4: Check the wrong options.

• (A) Different: Voltage being different across resistors is the characteristic of a series circuit, not parallel.

• (C) Zero: If voltage were zero across resistors, no current would flow. This is only true for ideal short circuits.

• (D) Double: There is no doubling of voltage in a parallel resistor connection. Voltage stays equal to the supply.