Which of the following statements for a parallel circuit is true?

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: C The net resistance of a parallel circuit is always less than the sum of individual resistances.

Explanation:
In a parallel circuit, the total resistance (R_total​) is calculated using the formula:

​$$\frac{1}{R_{\text{total}}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \dots + \frac{1}{R_n}$$​​

This results in a total resistance that is always less than the smallest individual resistance in the circuit. Since the reciprocal of resistances is summed, the net resistance decreases as more resistors are added in parallel.

Key properties of parallel circuits:

1. The potential difference across each resistor in a parallel circuit is equal to the source voltage.
2. The current divides across different branches, and the total current is the sum of individual branch currents.
3. The total resistance is always less than the smallest individual resistance.
4. Parallel circuits ensure that if one branch fails, the current still flows through the remaining branches.

Information Booster:

• Option A is incorrect: The net current in a parallel circuit is the sum of branch currents and is generally higher.
  
• Option B is incorrect: The potential difference is the same across all branches in a parallel circuit.
  
• Option D is incorrect: The total resistance is less, not greater, than the sum of individual resistances.
  
• Parallel circuits are widely used in household wiring to ensure independent operation of devices.
  
• Reducing net resistance increases the current flow, making parallel circuits efficient for low-resistance applications.