Connecting resistors in parallel divides the total circuit current into n branches. I equal the sum of the individual branch currents. Total circuit current I can also be found using Ohm's Law, by dividing the applied battery voltage by the equivalent circuit resistance Note: there is an inverse relationship between each branch current and that branch resistance. TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING: Refer back to Lesson#1 where there are two types of current flow. Conventional and electron flow. Thinking in terms of conventional current which makes it easier for us humans to understand ie, current flows from the positive battery terminal to the negative via the circuit consisting of a switch and lamp as an example. Electron flow is the reverse and mostly applies to understanding how semiconductors work or capacitors charge. Draw a simple circuit on a piece of paper with a battery with two lamps connected across it. Conventional current, which flows from the battery positive (+) terminal and back to the negative (-) terminal via the two lamps connected in parallel. If they have the same rating (wattage) then will glow equally brightly. However, say one is one watt (L1) and the other two watts (L2) the first will appear dimmed compared to the second. Current Is split between L1 & L2, but not equally, L2 will be conducting twice as heavily as L1 as it takes a greater proportion of the current. If you connect an ammeter in circuit at the positive battery terminal it will measure the addition of I1 & I2 being the lamp currents. Again connect the ammeter to the negative battery terminal and find the current returning the battery to complete the circuit. The current will have split and re-joined.
