In a parallel circuit, what happens to the total current as more branches are added?

In a parallel circuit, each additional branch provides an alternate path for current to flow. According to Ohm's Law and the principles of parallel circuits, the total current is equal to the sum of the currents through each individual branch. When you add more branches, each one contributes additional current to the total.

As the number of branches increases, the total resistance of the circuit decreases (because the equivalent resistance in a parallel configuration is always less than the smallest branch resistance). With a decrease in resistance, for a constant voltage supply, the total current must increase to satisfy Ohm's Law (I = V/R). Therefore, more current is drawn from the power source as more paths are made available for the electrons to flow.

This understanding of how current behaves in parallel circuits is crucial for designing electrical systems, ensuring that components can handle increased currents without risk of overheating or failure.