How does current behave in a series circuit?

In a series circuit, the current is the same at every point in the circuit.

In more detail, a series circuit is a type of electrical circuit in which components are connected end-to-end, forming a single path for the current to flow. Because there is only one path for the current, the same amount of current flows through each component in the circuit. This means that if you measure the current at any point in a series circuit, you will get the same value.

Imagine a series circuit with a battery and three resistors connected one after the other. The current that leaves the battery flows through the first resistor, then the second, and finally the third before returning to the battery. Since there is no alternative path for the current to take, it must pass through each resistor in turn. Therefore, the current is identical at all points in the circuit.

The total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of the individual resistances. For example, if you have three resistors with resistances of 2 ohms, 3 ohms, and 5 ohms, the total resistance would be 2 + 3 + 5 = 10 ohms. According to Ohm's Law (V = IR), the current in the circuit can be calculated by dividing the total voltage by the total resistance. If the battery provides 10 volts, the current would be 10 volts / 10 ohms = 1 ampere.

It's important to note that while the current is the same throughout a series circuit, the voltage across each component can be different. The voltage drop across each resistor depends on its resistance and the current flowing through it. In our example, the voltage drop across each resistor would be different, but the sum of these voltage drops would equal the total voltage supplied by the battery.