In a series circuit, how is total resistance calculated?

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Multiple Choice

In a series circuit, how is total resistance calculated?

Explanation:
In a series circuit, resistances add because the same current flows through each component. The voltage drop across each resistor is V_i = I × R_i, so the total voltage is the sum of these drops: V_total = I(R1 + R2 + ...). Since V_total = I × R_total, the equivalent resistance must be R_total = R1 + R2 + ... . That’s why total resistance is found by adding the individual resistances. In parallel, the combination is different (reciprocals add), which is why simple addition isn’t used there.

In a series circuit, resistances add because the same current flows through each component. The voltage drop across each resistor is V_i = I × R_i, so the total voltage is the sum of these drops: V_total = I(R1 + R2 + ...). Since V_total = I × R_total, the equivalent resistance must be R_total = R1 + R2 + ... . That’s why total resistance is found by adding the individual resistances. In parallel, the combination is different (reciprocals add), which is why simple addition isn’t used there.

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