What happens to the total current if one branch in a parallel circuit is removed?

In a parallel circuit, each branch operates independently, and the total current flowing through the circuit is the sum of the currents flowing through each individual branch. When one branch is removed, that branch's current contribution is no longer part of the total. This means there are fewer paths for the current to flow, resulting in a reduction in the overall current.

Additionally, since the total current is the sum of the currents through the remaining branches, the loss of one branch directly reduces the total current. Therefore, the total current decreases because the total is dependent on the number of branches and the current through each one. As branches are removed, the total current becomes less than it was when all branches were present.

The other options do not accurately describe the behavior of current in a parallel circuit when a branch is removed, as they imply that the current would either increase, remain the same, or change in a way that does not reflect the fundamental principles of parallel circuits.