Current Divider Rule Example # 10: To Find the current across 8.6 ohm and 32 ohm resistors in Parallel

Statement: Two resistors of 8.6 ohms and 32 ohms are connected in a parallel configuration. The input source is 800 mA. Apply the current divider principle to find the current through both resistors.

Solution: Consider the circuit diagram:

In the present case the overall current (It = 800 mA)

From the formula:

R₁ = 8.6 Ω; R₂ = 32 Ω

The equivalent resistance is R_t = 6.77 Ω

I₁= [R_t / R₁] * I_t.
= [6.78 Ω / 8.6 Ω ] * 800 mA
= 630 mA

I₂= [R_t / R₂] * I_t.
= [6.78 Ω / 32 Ω ] * 800 mA
= 169.5 mA