Two wires carrying currents of and meet at a junction

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Circuits · Electric Circuits

Problem

Two wires carrying currents of

3\,\text{A}

and

2\,\text{A}

meet at a junction, both directed toward the junction. A third wire carries a

4\,\text{A}

current directed away from the same junction. A fourth wire, labeled

I_x

, is also connected to the junction. Which of the following assignments for

I_x

is consistent with conservation of charge at the junction? (a)

9\,\text{A}

directed toward the junction (b)

5\,\text{A}

directed away from the junction (c)

1\,\text{A}

directed away from the junction (d)

1\,\text{A}

directed toward the junction