What happens to total resistance in a parallel circuit when more resistors are added?

In a parallel circuit, the total resistance decreases when more resistors are added. This occurs because each additional resistor provides another pathway for the current to flow. As more paths are available, it becomes easier for the current to navigate through the circuit, which effectively reduces the overall resistance.

Mathematically, the total resistance in a parallel circuit can be described using the formula:

1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ... + 1/Rn.

As more resistors are added to this equation, the sum of the reciprocals on the right side increases. Consequently, since the total resistance is calculated by taking the reciprocal of this sum, the overall resistance decreases. This principle is crucial for understanding how circuits operate, particularly in applications where voltage levels and current flows need to be carefully managed.