Explain why two identical resistors connected in parallel have a combined resistance that is less than the resistance of either individual resistor.

In a parallel circuit the same voltage is applied across each resistor, but the current can split and flow through both paths at the same time. Therefore the total current drawn from the source is the sum of the currents through each resistor, which is greater than the current through a single resistor at that voltage. Using Ohm’s law, R = V/I, a larger total current for the same applied voltage means the equivalent resistance of the two resistors together is smaller. For two identical resistors of resistance R in parallel, the equivalent resistance is R/2, which is less than R.