If I add a completely parallel branch to an existing circuit then the equivalent (or total) resistance of the circuit will..

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Consider the effect of adding a completely parallel branch to an existing circuit. 
Option 1: 'decrease' - This is the correct general outcome because in parallel, the total or equivalent resistance is given by 1/R_eq = 1/R_old + 1/R_branch. Adding another positive conductance path always lowers the overall resistance unless the branch is an open circuit. 
Option 2: 'remain the same' - This would only occur if the added branch contributed no new current path, such as an infinite resistance (an open circuit). In general, that's not the typical case, so this statement is misleading as a universal rule. 
Option 3: 'increase or decrease depending on the resistance of the parallel branch' - While intuitive, the actual formula shows that for any finite, nonzero branch resistance, 1/R_eq increases, making R_eq smaller. The only caveats are special cases (open circuit or a short) that can change the outcome, but not in the typical scenario. 
Option 4: 'increase' - This would imply that adding a parallel path makes the circuit harder for current to pass, which contradicts the fundamental property of parallel resistances where multiple paths decrease the total resistance. 
Side note: if the added branch is an open circuit (infinite resistance), the total resistance remains unchanged; if it is a perfect short (zero resistance), the total resistance drops to zero regardless of the original value. These edge cases illustrate why the general rule is: adding a parallel path tends to decrease the total resistance, not increase.

Physics Honors-Henrikson Unit 11 and part of 12 Test part 1

If I add a completely parallel branch to an existing circuit then the equivalent (or total) resistance of the circuit will..

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Physics Honors-Henrikson Unit 11 and part of 12 Test part 1

If I add a completely parallel branch to an existing circuit then the equivalent (or total) resistance of the circuit will..

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

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Which is correct concerning a parallel circuit?

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More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

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I have a simple circuit running off a battery powering a lightbulb (bulb A). If I add another light (bulb B) parallel to bulb A I can expect that the voltage across bulb A will _ and bulb A will shine___.