What happens to the total current in a parallel circuit when more branches are added?

In a parallel circuit, each additional branch offers an alternative pathway for current to flow. When more branches are added, the total resistance of the circuit decreases because the overall resistance in a parallel configuration is determined by the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of each branch's resistance. According to Ohm's Law, as resistance decreases and the voltage remains constant, the total current flowing from the power source must increase.

Therefore, as more branches are added to the parallel circuit, they allow more current to pass through, resulting in an increase in the total current. This behavior is a foundational concept in circuit theory and is critical for understanding how parallel circuits operate.