Question

In what type of circuit will the equivalent resistance be less than the resistors in the circuit?

Answer 1

The answer would be a parallel circuit.

Answer 2

Answer: Parallel circuit

Step-by-step explanation:

When components are connected in parallel, the voltage across each component is same and different current flows in each path depending upon the resistance of the component. The equivalent resistance of the circuit is less than the individual resistances.

Let there be two resistors connected in parallel R and R' connected across voltage source V.

Current through R is I and through R' is I'

Net current in the circuit:

I'' = I +I'

From Ohm's law, V = I R

V/R'' = V/R + V/R'

Where R" is the equivalent resistance of the circuit

1/R" =1/R + 1/R'

Thus, the equivalent resistance of a parallel circuit is less than the individual resistances.