This page is a learning companion, not a tutorial.
This learning companion supports the canonical Current Divider article and its worked examples.
Purpose of this document
These questions may be assigned:
- as homework
- an interactive group discussion
Audience Key
The following emojis are used to classify each question with alignment to Bloom’s taxonomy:
Technicians – Factual, practical, and troubleshooting-focused
Students – Foundational understanding with basic application
Capstone students and field engineers – Open-ended analysis with emphasis on system-level design tradeoffs
Teacher – Topics suited for discussion groups or guided exploration
1) Present the two recommended forms of the current divider equations.
Answer found directly in canonical article.
2) Present and then solve example problems for each equation.
Be sure to include examples involving multiple resistors. Be sure to work the problem backwards looking for the resistance given a desired supply and branch current.
Tech Tip: This question requires active learning where you frame the material, provide a solution, and then verify that the solution is correct. Lean into it and work with a classmate to see who can come up with the best questions.
3) What is the current divider equation?
4) What are the properties of an ideal constant current source?
5) Show the algebraic steps to convert the general current divider equation into a two-resistor solution for I_{R_2}.
6) Given a parallel circuit consisting of 4 components, solve for R2 given the R2 branch current of 5A:
- 15 A constant current source
- R1 = 2 Ω
- R2 = unknown
- R3 = 4 Ω
7) Contrast and compare the current divider equations and the voltage divider equations.
Hint: Construct a table showing the resistor pair equations as well as the multi resistor equations. Look for patterns that will help you remember all of the equations.
8) There is a tension in this article with regards to the “error prone equation.”
Describe the reasoning for the author’s apprehension. Do you personally agree with the author? Where is the point of confusion and how can it be avoided?
9) What is a Thévenin equivalent circuit?
How could it be used to simplify Figure 1 especially when solving for the R3 branch current.
10) What passive electrical component has constant current properties?
Hint: The comparison is transient and only applicable for the moment the device is turned off.
Article by Aaron Dahlen, LCDR USCG (Ret.), Application Engineer at DigiKey. Author bio.