Questions: Question 12 10 pts As more resistors, like a light bulb, are put into a parallel circuit, the overall resistance in the circuit: depends on the size of the resistors decreases stays the same increases

Question 12
10 pts

As more resistors, like a light bulb, are put into a parallel circuit, the overall resistance in the circuit:
depends on the size of the resistors
decreases
stays the same
increases

Transcript text: Question 12 10 pts As more resistors, like a light bulb, are put into a parallel circuit, the overall resistance in the circuit: depends on the size of the resistors decreases stays the same increases

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding Parallel Circuits

In a parallel circuit, each resistor is connected across the same two points, providing multiple paths for the current to flow. This configuration affects the overall resistance of the circuit.

Step 2: Analyzing the Effect of Adding Resistors

When more resistors are added in parallel, the total resistance of the circuit decreases. This is because the total conductance (the reciprocal of resistance) increases with each additional parallel resistor, allowing more current to flow through the circuit.

Step 3: Applying the Formula for Parallel Resistance

The formula for the total resistance \( R_{\text{total}} \) in a parallel circuit with resistors \( R_1, R_2, \ldots, R_n \) is given by:

\[ \frac{1}{R_{\text{total}}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \cdots + \frac{1}{R_n} \]

As more resistors are added, the right side of the equation increases, leading to a decrease in \( R_{\text{total}} \).