Physics Formula
Current Divider Formula Formula
Calculates current distribution between parallel resistors.
Formula Summary
Current Divider Formula
Calculates current distribution between parallel resistors.
- Category
- Physics
- Equation
- I₁ = Itotal × R₂ / (R₁ + R₂)
- Calculator
- Use Current Divider Formula Calculator →
Equation
I₁ = Itotal × R₂ / (R₁ + R₂)
Variables
- I₁ = branch current
- Itotal = total current
- R₁ = first resistance
- R₂ = second resistance
Units
- Current: amperes (A)
- Resistance: ohms (Ω)
When To Use This Formula
Use this formula when calculating how current divides between parallel resistor branches in an electrical circuit.
Rearranged Equations
- Itotal = I₁ × (R₁ + R₂) / R₂
- R₂ = I₁R₁ / (Itotal - I₁)
How to Use This Formula
- Identify the known values from the problem statement.
- Convert all values into compatible units.
- Substitute the values into the equation and calculate the result.
- Check that the final answer has the correct unit and meaning.