ASVAB · Circuits and Ohm's Law

In a parallel circuit, how does the total resistance compare to the individual resistances?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

It is always less than the smallest individual resistance

A It is the average of them
B It equals the sum of them
C It equals the largest one
D It is always less than the smallest individual resistance

Why this is the answer

In a parallel circuit, the total (equivalent) resistance is always less than the smallest individual resistor because adding more parallel paths gives the current more ways to flow, reducing overall resistance. The total is found with the reciprocal formula 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ... This contrasts sharply with a series circuit, where resistances add up and the total is larger than any single resistor. Remembering that parallel lowers total resistance (more paths) while series raises it (one path) is a frequently tested circuit concept.

Source: ASVAB Electronics Information — Parallel Resistance

Practice more questions

This question is from our ASVAB Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Circuits and Ohm's Law and other topics.

Take the Electronics Information practice test →

About this topic: Circuits and Ohm's Law

Circuits and Ohm's Law questions ask you to calculate voltage, current, resistance or power, and to understand series versus parallel circuits — how resistance adds in series and reduces in parallel, and what happens when one component fails. This is one of 17 Electronics Information questions on circuits and ohm's law, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Recommended study materials

Study guide

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →

In a parallel circuit, how does the total resistance compare to the individual resistances?

Why this is the answer

Practice more questions

About this topic: Circuits and Ohm's Law

Related questions

Using Ohm's Law, if a circuit has 12 volts and 4 ohms of resistance, what is the current?

Three resistors of 10Ω, 20Ω, and 30Ω are connected in series. What is the total resistance?

What does a fuse do in a circuit?

Which of the following circuits has the same current flowing through all components?

Recommended study materials

ASVAB Total Prep (Kaplan)

Barron's ASVAB with Online Tests 12th Ed.

ASVAB for Dummies 4th Ed. (Wiley)