What occurs to the total current in a parallel circuit?

In a parallel circuit, the total current is the sum of the currents flowing through each of the parallel branches. This principle is based on the characteristics of parallel circuits, where the voltage across each branch remains the same, but the currents can vary depending on the resistance of each branch.

When additional branches are added to a parallel circuit, each branch allows current to flow independently. Therefore, the total current entering the circuit splits among the branches, and the cumulative effect of these separations results in an increase in the overall current as more branches are added. This is described by Kirchhoff's Current Law, which states that the total current entering a junction must equal the total current leaving the junction.

In summary, the correct understanding involves recognizing that the total current in a parallel circuit is the sum of the individual branch currents, reflecting the principle of current conservation. This is why the answer indicating that the total current is the sum of the currents through each parallel branch is accurate.