Which is correct concerning a parallel circuit?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks about a parallel circuit, so we need to examine each statement in that context.
Option 1: 'Total resistance will be smaller than the smallest resistor.' In parallel, the effective resistance is found by 1/R_total = sum(1/R_i). This means R_total is always less than any individual R_i, and thus smaller than the smallest resistor in the network. This statement is true for ideal parallel resistors.
Option 2: 'Total voltage drop is the same as the total resistance.' Here, voltage drop refers to the potential difference across the circuit components. In parallel circuits, the voltage across each branch is the same as the supply voltage, not related to the total resistance. The total resistance and the voltage drop are governed by Ohm's law in different ways, so equating them is incorrect.
Option 3: 'Total resistance will decrease when one of the resistances is removed.' In a parallel network, removing a branch reduces the number of parallel paths, which increases the overall resistance or leaves it unchanged if only one path remains; in any case, removing a path does not cause a decrease in R_total. Therefore this statement is false.
Summarizing the reasoning: Option 1 correctly describes the fundamental property of parallel resistances. Options 2 and 3 misstate how voltage and total resistance relate in parallel configurations. The correct understanding is that adding parallel branches lowers the total resistance, and removing a branch tends to raise it, while the branch voltages equal the supply voltage rather than equaling the sum or the total resistance.

AMT102 36396 Test - BE Practical Apps

Which is correct concerning a parallel circuit?

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