How do you calculate total resistance in a series circuit?

To calculate total resistance in a series circuit, simply add up the resistance values of all components.

In a series circuit, the current flows through each component one after the other, meaning there is only one path for the current to take. Because of this, the total resistance in the circuit is the sum of the individual resistances of each component. This can be expressed with the formula:

\[ R_{total} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 + \ldots + R_n \]

where \( R_{total} \) is the total resistance, and \( R_1, R_2, R_3, \ldots, R_n \) are the resistances of the individual components.

For example, if you have three resistors in a series circuit with resistances of 2 ohms, 3 ohms, and 5 ohms, you would calculate the total resistance as follows:

\[ R_{total} = 2 \, \Omega + 3 \, \Omega + 5 \, \Omega = 10 \, \Omega \]

This means the total resistance in the circuit is 10 ohms.

It's important to remember that in a series circuit, the current is the same through all components, but the voltage across each component can be different. The total voltage across the circuit is the sum of the voltages across each component, which is consistent with the principle of conservation of energy.

Understanding how to calculate total resistance in a series circuit is crucial for analysing and designing electrical circuits, as it helps predict how the circuit will behave under different conditions. This knowledge is fundamental in both theoretical studies and practical applications in physics and engineering.