Q1. [1] medium exam-ready
Assertion (A): In a parallel combination of resistors, the equivalent resistance is always less than the smallest individual resistance in the combination.
Reason (R): Adding more parallel paths provides additional routes for current, effectively reducing total opposition to current flow.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false but R is true.
- A Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- C A is true but R is false.
- D A is false but R is true.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 01:09 · grounding rag
Model Answer
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
In parallel combination, $\frac{1}{R_p} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \cdots$, so $R_p$ is always less than the smallest individual resistance. Adding parallel paths gives more routes for current, reducing total opposition — which correctly explains why $R_p$ is smallest.
Source: Chapter 11, Section 11.6 (Resistance of a System of Resistors)
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Explanation
- Assertion is true: mathematically, $\frac{1}{R_p} > \frac{1}{R_{smallest}}$, so $R_p < R_{smallest}$.
- Reason is true and directly explains the Assertion: each extra parallel branch adds a new current path, reducing the net resistance below any single branch value.
- This makes option (A) correct — R is indeed the correct physical explanation of A.
- Examiner looks for you to confirm both statements are correct and judge whether R explains A causally, not just coincidentally.