Four 12 Ω resistors are connected together. What is the least resistance that can be attained with these resistors by connecting them in various ways?
A) 12 Ω
B) 6.0 Ω
C) 3.0 Ω
D) 2.0 Ω
E) 1.0 Ω

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The least resistance that can be attained with four 12 Ω resistors is by connecting them in parallel. When resistors are connected in parallel, the total resistance is given by the equation: 1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + 1/R4. Substituting the values given, we get 1/Rtotal = 1/12 + 1/12 + 1/12 + 1/12 = 1/3. Therefore, Rtotal = 3 Ω, which is the least resistance that can be obtained.

Four 12 Ω Resistors Are Connected Together