In a series circuit, what is true about current and total resistance?

In a series circuit, what is true about current and total resistance?

• A. The same current flows through all components; total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances.
• B. The current varies; total resistance is the product of resistances.
• C. Voltage adds, current remains constant.
• D. Resistance is the same as the smallest resistor.

Answer: (D)

In a series circuit the same current flows through every component because there is only one path for charge to take. The total resistance is the sum of each component’s resistance since each resistor adds its opposition to the current along that single path. With a fixed voltage source, the current is given by I = V / R_total, so as the total resistance increases, the current decreases. The current does not vary between components, and the total resistance is not the product of the resistances. Also, resistance being the same as the smallest resistor isn’t correct, because the total resistance reflects all resistors in the path, not just the smallest.

In a series circuit the same current flows through every component because there is only one path for charge to take. The total resistance is the sum of each component’s resistance since each resistor adds its opposition to the current along that single path. With a fixed voltage source, the current is given by I = V / R_total, so as the total resistance increases, the current decreases. The current does not vary between components, and the total resistance is not the product of the resistances. Also, resistance being the same as the smallest resistor isn’t correct, because the total resistance reflects all resistors in the path, not just the smallest.