In a circuit with two or more resistances in parallel, the total resistance in the circuit is the sum of the resistances in the circuit.

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Multiple Choice

In a circuit with two or more resistances in parallel, the total resistance in the circuit is the sum of the resistances in the circuit.

In parallel, the total resistance is not the sum of the individual resistances. Instead, the reciprocals add: 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + … For two resistors, R_total = (R1*R2)/(R1 + R2). This means the combined resistance is always less than the smallest individual resistance, and it decreases as you add more parallel paths. For example, two resistors of 4 Ω and 6 Ω in parallel give R_total = (4*6)/(4+6) = 24/10 = 2.4 Ω, not 10 Ω. Because of this relationship, the statement that the total resistance in parallel is the sum is false.

In parallel, the total resistance is not the sum of the individual resistances. Instead, the reciprocals add: 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + … For two resistors, R_total = (R1R2)/(R1 + R2). This means the combined resistance is always less than the smallest individual resistance, and it decreases as you add more parallel paths. For example, two resistors of 4 Ω and 6 Ω in parallel give R_total = (46)/(4+6) = 24/10 = 2.4 Ω, not 10 Ω. Because of this relationship, the statement that the total resistance in parallel is the sum is false.

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