DC circuitsQuestion 664 of 1506

A parallel circuit has two lamps. A third lamp is added in parallel. What happens to the total resistance and the total current?

  1. The total resistance rises, and the total current falls.
  2. The total resistance rises, and the total current rises.
  3. The total resistance falls, and the total current rises.
  4. The total resistance falls, and the total current falls.
Show answer

Correct answer: The total resistance falls, and the total current rises.

Each new branch adds a path, so the combined resistance is smaller and the source supplies more current.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 5.3: Simple Parallel Circuits

Practice dc circuits

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026