When resistors are placed in _____, the total circuit resistance decreases.

• A. Series
• B. Parallel
• C. Complex
• D. Single

Answer: (B)

When resistors are placed in parallel, the total circuit resistance decreases due to the nature of how current flows through multiple pathways. In a parallel configuration, each resistor provides an alternative path for the current, which reduces the overall resistance that the circuit offers to the flow of electric current.

The formula for calculating the total resistance in a parallel circuit is given by the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of each resistor's resistance. This means that the more resistors you add in parallel, the lower the total resistance becomes. For example, if you have two resistors in parallel, the total resistance will always be less than the smallest individual resistor's resistance. This behavior is beneficial in many electrical applications where a higher current capacity is needed without raising the voltage.

In contrast, when resistors are placed in series, their resistances add together, which increases the overall resistance of the circuit. Therefore, when targeting a reduction in total resistance, placing resistors in parallel is the effective approach.