Which impedance would result from connecting two 8-ohm speakers in parallel?

When connecting two 8-ohm speakers in parallel, the equivalent impedance can be calculated using the formula for parallel resistances, which is:

1 / Z_total = 1 / Z1 + 1 / Z2

In this case, both speakers have the same impedance (Z1 = Z2 = 8 ohms). Plugging in the values, the calculation becomes:

1 / Z_total = 1 / 8 + 1 / 8

1 / Z_total = 2 / 8

1 / Z_total = 1 / 4

To find Z_total, you take the reciprocal:

Z_total = 4 ohms

This result of 4 ohms makes sense in a parallel configuration, where the total impedance tends to decrease as more parallel paths are added. Each additional speaker offers a parallel path that allows more current to flow, thus lowering the overall impedance seen by the amplifier or audio system. In this instance, connecting two 8-ohm speakers will result in an equivalent impedance of 4 ohms.