Closing a switch S1 would cause the total current to

Closing a switch S1 would cause the total current to

• A. Decrease.
• B. Remain the same.
• C. Reverse.
• D. Increase.

Answer: (D)

Closing S1 adds an additional conducting path that lowers the resistance seen by the power source. With the same supply voltage, a decrease in total resistance causes more current to flow according to Ohm’s law (I = V/R). So the overall current drawn from the source increases when the switch is closed. The individual branch currents may redistribute, but the total from the source goes up because the circuit offers a path of lower resistance.

Closing S1 adds an additional conducting path that lowers the resistance seen by the power source. With the same supply voltage, a decrease in total resistance causes more current to flow according to Ohm’s law (I = V/R). So the overall current drawn from the source increases when the switch is closed. The individual branch currents may redistribute, but the total from the source goes up because the circuit offers a path of lower resistance.