Explanation: When resistors are connected in parallel, their individual power dissipation capabilities add together to determine the total power rating of the combination. Each 10-watt resistor can safely dissipate up to 10 watts of power. By connecting two identical resistors in parallel, they effectively share the load. Since both resistors are 500 ohms and 10 watts, they will each dissipate an equal amount of power when the total voltage is applied across the parallel combination. Therefore, the total power the combination can safely dissipate is simply the sum of their individual ratings: 10 watts + 10 watts = 20 watts. This principle is fundamental in designing power-handling circuits, such as dummy loads, to prevent component failure from excessive heat.