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In a parallel circuit, which quantity is the same across every branch?

Every parallel branch gets the full source voltage.

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  1. Voltage ✔
  2. Current
  3. Power

Why: Each branch connects straight across the source, so each sees the same voltage. Currents differ depending on each branch's resistance.

Huh, didn't know that: That is why a car's headlights and radio are wired in parallel: each gets full voltage and runs independently.

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References

Answer: Voltage. Each branch connects straight across the source, so each sees the same voltage. Currents differ depending on each branch's resistance.

  1. OpenStax College Physics 2e, 21.1 Resistors in Series and Parallel openstax.org/books/college-physics-2e/pages/21-1-resistors-in-series-and-parallel
    Each resistor thus has the full voltage of the source applied to it.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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