Red Seal Electrician Practice
AC theoryQuestion 985 of 1506

In a parallel R-L-C circuit, what is a simple way to find the total current?

  1. Divide the supply voltage by the resistor value only
  2. Add the component values
  3. Subtract the capacitor current from the resistor current as plain numbers
  4. Add the branch currents as vectors
Show answer

Correct answer: Add the branch currents as vectors

Total current in a parallel circuit is the sum of the branch currents, kept as complex numbers.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits II: AC (Kuphaldt), 5.3: Parallel R, L, and C

Practice ac theory

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026