What is the formula for total current in a parallel circuit?

In a parallel circuit, the total current is the sum of the individual currents flowing through each parallel branch. This means that if you have multiple branches, each with its own current (I₁, I₂, I₃, ...), you simply add those currents together to get the total current (It). Therefore, if there are four branches, the formula It = I₁ + I₂ + I₃ + I₄ accurately represents the cumulative effect of the currents in each branch on the total current flowing through the circuit.

This addition of currents occurs because, in a parallel circuit, all branches share the same voltage across them. As a result, the total current is distributed among the paths. The more branches you have, the more currents you include in the sum to arrive at the total.

Other options don't accurately define the relationship of currents in a parallel circuit. The formulas listed in other choices pertain to different contexts or types of circuits, such as Ohm’s Law or power calculations, but do not describe how to calculate total current in the scenario presented.