DC circuitsQuestion 689 of 1506

A total current of 12 mA flows into two parallel resistors: 2 kΩ and 6 kΩ. What is the current in the 2 kΩ resistor?

  1. 9 mA
  2. 6 mA
  3. 3 mA
  4. 16 mA
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Correct answer: 9 mA

The parallel resistance is 1.5 kΩ. The current divider gives 12 mA × 1.5/2 = 9 mA. The smaller resistor takes more current.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 6.3: Current Divider Circuits and the Current Divider Formula

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026