How do you calculate the total resistance in a DC circuit?

To calculate the total resistance in a DC circuit, you need to add up all the individual resistances.

In a DC circuit, resistors are connected in series or parallel. When resistors are connected in series, the total resistance is the sum of all the individual resistances. This is because the current flowing through each resistor is the same, so the total voltage drop across all the resistors is equal to the sum of the voltage drops across each resistor. To calculate the total resistance in a series circuit, simply add up all the individual resistances.

When resistors are connected in parallel, the total resistance is less than the smallest individual resistance. This is because the current is divided between the resistors, so each resistor has less current flowing through it than in a series circuit. To calculate the total resistance in a parallel circuit, you need to use the following formula:

1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ...

Where R1, R2, R3, etc. are the individual resistances. Once you have calculated the total resistance, you can use Ohm's Law (V = IR) to calculate the current flowing through the circuit, or the power dissipated by the resistors (P = IV).