In a parallel circuit, which statement best describes how total resistance changes when more resistors are added?

In a parallel circuit, which statement best describes how total resistance changes when more resistors are added?

• A. Increases
• B. Varies with the values
• C. Decreases
• D. Becomes unpredictable

Answer: (C)

In a parallel circuit, total resistance decreases when more resistors are added. Each resistor provides another path for current, so the network’s overall ability to conduct increases. Mathematically, 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ... shows that adding another resistor adds another positive term to the sum of conductances, making R_total smaller. For equal-value resistors, the total resistance becomes smaller in proportion to the number of resistors. If you have two equal resistors of resistance R, the total is R/2; with three equal resistors, it’s R/3, and so on. This illustrates why adding more parallel paths lowers the total resistance. It won’t increase or be unpredictable in typical cases.

In a parallel circuit, total resistance decreases when more resistors are added. Each resistor provides another path for current, so the network’s overall ability to conduct increases. Mathematically, 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ... shows that adding another resistor adds another positive term to the sum of conductances, making R_total smaller.

For equal-value resistors, the total resistance becomes smaller in proportion to the number of resistors. If you have two equal resistors of resistance R, the total is R/2; with three equal resistors, it’s R/3, and so on. This illustrates why adding more parallel paths lowers the total resistance. It won’t increase or be unpredictable in typical cases.