What is the formula to calculate the total resistance in a series circuit?

What is the formula to calculate the total resistance in a series circuit?

• A. R_total = R1 - R2 - R3
• B. R_total = R1 + R2 + R3 + ...
• C. R_total = R1 × R2 × R3
• D. R_total = R1 / R2 / R3

Answer: (B)

In a series circuit, the total resistance is calculated by summing the individual resistances. This is because in a series configuration, current flows through each resistor sequentially, and the total resistance is the cumulative effect of all resistors connected in that way. When each resistor offers its own resistance to the flow of current (making it harder for the current to pass through), the overall effect on the circuit results in an increase in total resistance equal to the sum of all resistances. Therefore, the correct formula reflects that total resistance is the additive combination of each resistor's resistance, resulting in the formulation of R_total = R1 + R2 + R3 + .... Other formulas provided relate to different configurations or calculations that are not applicable in this context. The subtraction and multiplication formulas would not yield the correct total resistance for a series circuit, and the division formula pertains to calculations typically used in parallel circuits rather than series circuits. This clarity on resistance behavior in series circuits highlights the importance of understanding how components interact within different configurations in electrical circuits.

In a series circuit, the total resistance is calculated by summing the individual resistances. This is because in a series configuration, current flows through each resistor sequentially, and the total resistance is the cumulative effect of all resistors connected in that way.

When each resistor offers its own resistance to the flow of current (making it harder for the current to pass through), the overall effect on the circuit results in an increase in total resistance equal to the sum of all resistances. Therefore, the correct formula reflects that total resistance is the additive combination of each resistor's resistance, resulting in the formulation of R_total = R1 + R2 + R3 + ....

Other formulas provided relate to different configurations or calculations that are not applicable in this context. The subtraction and multiplication formulas would not yield the correct total resistance for a series circuit, and the division formula pertains to calculations typically used in parallel circuits rather than series circuits. This clarity on resistance behavior in series circuits highlights the importance of understanding how components interact within different configurations in electrical circuits.