Final answer:
True, when resistors are connected in parallel, the total resistance of the circuit is always less than the individual resistances due to the additional paths provided for current flow, leading to a decrease in equivalent resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When calculating the total resistance of a parallel circuit, the result will always be lower than the lowest resistance is true. This occurs because adding resistors in parallel provides additional paths for current to flow. The formula used to calculate the total resistance (often represented as Rp) of resistors in parallel is designed to account for the multiple paths through which electricity can flow. As more paths become available due to the additional parallel resistors, the total resistance of the circuit decreases, making the equivalent resistance always less than the smallest individual resistance in the parallel group.
For example, if you consider the smallest resistor as the only path for current, then add other resistors in parallel, you increase the number of paths for current to travel, thus decreasing the overall resistance. The final total resistance, therefore, must be less than the resistance of the smallest individual resistor.