MCAT Practice Exam – Complete Prep Resource 2026

In a parallel circuit, each resistor provides an independent path for current to flow. When one resistor is removed from the circuit, the total resistance in the circuit changes. The total current drawn from the battery in a parallel circuit is governed by the equivalent resistance, which decreases as more parallel paths are added.

When a resistor is removed, the total number of paths for current decreases, resulting in an increase in the total equivalent resistance of the circuit. According to Ohm's Law (V = IR), where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance, if the voltage from the battery remains constant, an increase in resistance leads to a decrease in total current drawn from the battery. This is because the total current is inversely proportional to the total resistance in the circuit.

Therefore, as one resistor is removed, the overall current flowing from the battery decreases, making this the correct interpretation of the scenario.