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title: "A circuit consists of an ideal battery of voltage \\(V_0\\) connected in parallel with two branches, Branch 1 and Branch 2. Branch 1 contains a resistor of resistance \\(R\\) connected in series with an ideal ammeter \\(A_1\\). Branch 2 contains a resistor of resistance \\(2R\\) connected in series with an ideal ammeter \\(A_2\\). Which of the following correctly compares the current reading \\(I_1\\) on ammeter \\(A_1\\) to the current reading \\(I_2\\) on ammeter \\(A_2\\) and provides the correct physical justification?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/118359/"
date_modified: "2026-08-04T08:09:40+00:00"
---

# A circuit consists of an ideal battery of voltage \(V_0\) connected in parallel with two branches, Branch 1 and Branch 2. Branch 1 contains a resistor of resistance \(R\) connected in series with an ideal ammeter \(A_1\). Branch 2 contains a resistor of resistance \(2R\) connected in series with an ideal ammeter \(A_2\). Which of the following correctly compares the current reading \(I_1\) on ammeter \(A_1\) to the current reading \(I_2\) on ammeter \(A_2\) and provides the correct physical justification?

A circuit consists of an ideal battery of voltage \(V_0\) connected in parallel with two branches, Branch 1 and Branch 2. Branch 1 contains a resistor of resistance \(R\) connected in series with an ideal ammeter \(A_1\). Branch 2 contains a resistor of resistance \(2R\) connected in series with an ideal ammeter \(A_2\). Which of the following correctly compares the current reading \(I_1\) on ammeter \(A_1\) to the current reading \(I_2\) on ammeter \(A_2\) and provides the correct physical justification?

![A schematic circuit diagram containing an ideal battery with labeled potential difference V_0 on the left vertical wire. The battery connects to two parallel vertical branches on the right through horizontal wires at the top and bottom. The left branch (Branch 1) contains a resistor labeled R in series with a circular ammeter icon labeled A_1. The right branch (Branch 2) contains a resistor labeled 2R in series with a circular ammeter icon labeled A_2. No other components or text appear.](https://nerd-notes.com/wp-content/uploads/ubq-frq-generated/stem-fig-1-1785830980-5lbnFs.jpg)

- **A.** \(I_1 < I_2\) because a larger resistance creates a larger potential drop across Branch 2, drawing a greater current from the battery.
- **B.** \(I_1 > I_2\) because both parallel branches experience the same potential difference, and current is inversely proportional to resistance.
- **C.** \(I_1 > I_2\) because charge accumulates in Branch 2 due to its higher resistance, causing current to divert into Branch 1.
- **D.** \(I_1 = I_2\) because parallel branches divide the total current equally regardless of the resistance of each branch.

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/118359/*