How do you calculate total resistance in series?

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

In a series circuit, the total resistance (Rt) is the sum of the individual resistances (R1, R2, R3, etc.) of each component in the circuit. This is because the current has only one path to follow, and it must pass through each component in turn. Therefore, the total resistance to the flow of current is the sum of the resistances of all the components.

To calculate the total resistance, you use the formula Rt = R1 + R2 + R3 + ... + Rn, where Rt is the total resistance, and R1, R2, R3, etc. are the resistances of the individual components. For example, if you have a series circuit with three resistors with resistances of 2 ohms, 3 ohms, and 4 ohms, the total resistance would be 2 + 3 + 4 = 9 ohms.

It's important to remember that the total resistance in a series circuit is always greater than the resistance of the largest resistor in the circuit. This is because the current has to overcome the resistance of each component in turn, so the total resistance is the sum of all these resistances.

In summary, calculating total resistance in a series circuit is straightforward: you simply add up the resistances of all the components. This is a fundamental concept in physics and is crucial for understanding how electrical circuits work.