In a parallel circuit containing a copper conductor and an insulating rubber branch connected to a battery, which branch carries current?

In a parallel circuit containing a copper conductor and an insulating rubber branch connected to a battery, which branch carries current?

• A. Rubber branch
• B. Both branches carry current
• C. Neither branch carries current
• D. Copper conductor

Answer: (D)

Current flows through paths that complete the circuit. Copper provides a continuous conducting path between the battery terminals, so electricity can move through that branch. Rubber acts as an insulator, resisting electron flow and presenting a very high resistance, so it carries essentially no current. In a parallel setup, the current divides, but with an insulator branch effectively open, all the current goes through the copper path. Therefore, the copper-containing branch carries the current.

Current flows through paths that complete the circuit. Copper provides a continuous conducting path between the battery terminals, so electricity can move through that branch. Rubber acts as an insulator, resisting electron flow and presenting a very high resistance, so it carries essentially no current. In a parallel setup, the current divides, but with an insulator branch effectively open, all the current goes through the copper path. Therefore, the copper-containing branch carries the current.