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Does current flow through a circuit by taking the path of least resistance?

Felicia Kuphal ∙

Lvl 10

∙ 3w ago

Updated: 3/11/2025

No, current does not flow through a circuit by taking the path of least resistance. Instead, current flows through all available paths in a circuit, with the amount of current in each path determined by the resistance of that path.

AnswerBot

∙ 3w ago

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Q: Does current flow through a circuit by taking the path of least resistance?

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Continue Learning about Physics

What reduces the flow of current?

Resistance in a circuit reduces the flow of current. Higher resistance means less current flow, as described by Ohm's Law (V=IR). Other factors like the length and thickness of wires can also affect current flow.

What are the circuit effects due to a short circuit or open circuit?

A short circuit occurs when current bypasses the normal load path, leading to excessive current flow and potential damage to components. An open circuit, on the other hand, interrupts the flow of current, preventing proper functioning of the circuit. Both conditions can lead to malfunction or failure of the circuit.

I need to draw a circuit diagram to show this but I have no idea how do you find the resistance of a lamp in a circuit?

To find the resistance of a lamp in a circuit, you can use Ohm's Law, which states that resistance equals voltage divided by current (R = V/I). Measure the voltage across the lamp and the current passing through it using a multimeter, then divide the voltage by the current to find the resistance. Alternatively, you can use a known resistor of similar value in series with the lamp and measure the total resistance to find the lamp resistance.

What path will the current takes in a series circuit with a voltmeter pause does the current goes through voltmeter pause because if it does pause isn't current suppose to be taking the shortest path?

In a series circuit, the current will flow through the voltmeter because the voltmeter is connected in series with the other components. The current does not "pause" at the voltmeter but rather continues flowing through it as it measures the voltage drop across its terminals. The current will always follow the complete path in a series circuit, not just the shortest path.

Is parachite called air resistance?

No, air resistance is the force that acts against the motion of an object through the air. Parachutes use air resistance to slow down the fall of an object by increasing drag and reducing speed.

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Related Questions

How can you make a current smaller in a circuit?

Taking some bulbs out of the circuit!! (I think :P) Taking some bulbs out of the circuit!! (I think :P) Use Ohm's law I = E/R. Add some values and check it out. You use the formula V = IR (where V and E are the same thing, voltage. I is the current. R is the resistance). If you add more resistance then your current will be lower. I would suggest looking at parallel and series resistance so that you can understand equivalent resistance.

Does a volt meter takes power from the system?

No it does not. A volt meter only reads the current that is passing through it.AnswerAll instruments draw some (albeit tiny) current from the circuit under test in order to operate. So, if this is what you mean by 'taking power from circuit', then the answer is yes, it does.Instruments also change the normal resistance of the circuit being tested -for example, ammeters increase the resistance of the circuit into which they are connected, while voltmeters decrease the circuit resistance across which they are connected. So adding a voltmeter (or an ammeter) to a circuit affects the operation of that circuit to some degree. To minimise this interference, it is important that an ammeter's internal resistance is very much lower than the circuit's resistance, and a voltmeter's resistance is very much higher than the circuit's resistance.

What happens to voltage and resistance when increasing and decreasing is taking place?

As Ohm's law states; Current is directly proportional to the applied voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance of the circuit.

When you short out a resistor in a parallel circuit why does the current lower?

The total resistance of a set of resistors in parallel is found by adding up the reciprocals of the resistance values, and then taking the reciprocal of the total. By removing a resistor the total current will lower. If you short out the parallel circuit as suggested it will take out the fuse that should be protecting the circuit.AnswerShorting-out a resistor in a parallel circuit, will act to short out the entire circuit, therefore, significantly increasing, not lowering, the current! And, as the previous answer indicates, this short-circuit current will operate any protective devices, such as a fuse.In a parallel circuit current does not lower but it will be increase if shorting-out one resistor in the two resistor parallel circuit, the circuit will become very low resistive and the larger current will flow through the short path.

In a circuit where is the voltage drop?

In a circuit, the voltage drop is located wherever there is resistance. Ohm's law: voltage = resistance * current; so without resistance there can be no voltage drop, with resistance there is.

Why initially capacitor taking more current?

Consider the instantaneous DC analysis. Initially, the capacitor has zero resistance. You apply a voltage and current is controlled by other resistive elements alone. As the capacitor charges, its effective resistance rises. This adds to the net resistance in the circuit, reducing current. At full charge, the capacitor has infinite resistance, so there is no current. Remember that the equation for a capacitor is dv/dt = i/c.

What reduces the flow of current?

Resistance in a circuit reduces the flow of current. Higher resistance means less current flow, as described by Ohm's Law (V=IR). Other factors like the length and thickness of wires can also affect current flow.

I need to draw a circuit diagram to show this but I have no idea how do you find the resistance of a lamp in a circuit?

To find the resistance of a lamp in a circuit, you can use Ohm's Law, which states that resistance equals voltage divided by current (R = V/I). Measure the voltage across the lamp and the current passing through it using a multimeter, then divide the voltage by the current to find the resistance. Alternatively, you can use a known resistor of similar value in series with the lamp and measure the total resistance to find the lamp resistance.

What are the circuit effects due to a short circuit or open circuit?

A short circuit occurs when current bypasses the normal load path, leading to excessive current flow and potential damage to components. An open circuit, on the other hand, interrupts the flow of current, preventing proper functioning of the circuit. Both conditions can lead to malfunction or failure of the circuit.

Occurs when electricity takes a new path that is shorter than normal?

When electricity takes a new path that is shorter than normal or in the electrical trade it is know as, current taking the path of least resistance, it is known as a short circuit.

What path will the current takes in a series circuit with a voltmeter pause does the current goes through voltmeter pause because if it does pause isn't current suppose to be taking the shortest path?

In a series circuit, the current will flow through the voltmeter because the voltmeter is connected in series with the other components. The current does not "pause" at the voltmeter but rather continues flowing through it as it measures the voltage drop across its terminals. The current will always follow the complete path in a series circuit, not just the shortest path.

Will the voltage dropped across each resistor be same if two unequal resistors are connected in parallel?

yes ,they can be connected ,then they both will drive the current through that resistance ,the current through that resistance will be the sum of currents due to each individual source taking only one at a time (use superpositon theorem)

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