Automotive Electronics Practice Test

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Study for the Automotive Electronics Test. Prepare with engaging flashcards and detailed multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with ease!

Practice this question and more.

In a parallel circuit with multiple resistors, what happens to the total current when a resistor is added?

It decreases
It remains the same
It increases
It stops completely

The correct answer is: It increases

In a parallel circuit, adding a resistor creates an additional pathway for current to flow. Each resistor in a parallel circuit shares the same voltage across it, which means that the total current flowing through the circuit is the sum of the currents through each individual resistor. According to Ohm's Law, the current through a resistor is inversely proportional to its resistance (I = V/R). When an additional resistor is added, the overall resistance of the circuit decreases because the formula for total resistance in a parallel circuit is given by the reciprocal sum of the individual resistances. This reduction in total resistance allows a greater total current to flow through the circuit, as there is now more pathways available for the electrons to move. Therefore, the inclusion of a new resistor contributes to an increase in total current, making it the correct choice.