Current Divider Calculator:
Enter the values of total current entering the parallel combination, IS(A), resistance of the specific branch, R(Ω) and total parallel resistance of the circuit, Rtotal(Ω) to determine the value of Current, IR(A).
Current Divider Formula:
A current divider is an electrical circuit that distributes the total current among two or more parallel branches. It is used to calculate the individual branch currents in a parallel circuit based on their resistances. The principle of the current divider is derived from Ohm’s Law and the concept of parallel resistance, where the current through a branch is inversely proportional to its resistance.
In a parallel circuit, the total current IS(A) entering the junction splits into multiple branches depending on their respective resistances. The branch with lower resistance allows more current to pass through it, while the branch with higher resistance permits less current. This makes the current divider a fundamental concept in circuit analysis and design.
The total resistance of the circuit (Rtotal(Ω)) is the equivalent resistance of all branches connected in parallel. The current flowing through a specific branch (IR(A)) can be determined using the ratio of the branch resistance (R(Ω)) to the total parallel resistance (Rtotal(Ω)), multiplied by the total current (IS(A)) entering the parallel combination.
Current, IR(A) in amperes through a specific branch in a parallel circuit is equal to the total current entering the parallel combination, IS(A) in amperes multiplied by the resistance of the specific branch, R(Ω) in Ohms and divided by the total parallel resistance of the circuit, Rtotal(Ω) in Ohms.
Current, IR(A) = IS(A) * R(Ω) / Rtotal(Ω)
IR(A) = current in amperes, A.
IS(A) = total current entering the parallel combination in amperes, A.
R(Ω) = resistance of the specific branch in Ohms, Ω.
Rtotal(Ω) = total parallel resistance of the circuit in Ohms, Ω.
Current Divider Calculation:
1.A parallel circuit has a total current 10A and two branches. The resistance of branch 1 is 4Ω, and the total parallel resistance is 10Ω. Find the current through branch 1.
Given: IS(A) = 10A, R(Ω) = 4 Ω, Rtotal(Ω) = 10Ω.
Current, IR(A) = IS(A) * R(Ω) / Rtotal(Ω)
IR(A) = 10 * 4 / 10
IR(A) = 4A.
2.A parallel circuit has a total current 15A, and the current through a branch is 5A. If the total parallel resistance is 12Ω, find the resistance of the branch.
Given: IS(A) = 15A, IR(A) = 5A, Rtotal(Ω) = 12Ω.
Current, IR(A) = IS(A) * R(Ω) / Rtotal(Ω)
R(Ω) = IR(A) * Rtotal(Ω) / IS(A)
R(Ω) = 5 * 12 / 15
R(Ω) = 60 / 15
R(Ω) = 4 Ω.