In a series circuit, the current through each component is

In a series circuit, the current through each component is

• A. Varies with component
• B. Increases with number of components
• C. Depends on the branch resistance
• D. The same

Answer: (D)

In a series circuit there is only one path for current, so the same amount of charge must flow through every component in that path. That means the current through each component is identical. The value of that current is set by the supply voltage and the total resistance of the series chain (I = V / R_total). If you add or change a component, the total resistance changes and the overall current changes, but the current through each component remains the same. The voltage drops across the components can be different, proportional to each component’s resistance, and together they add up to the source voltage. In contrast, when circuits branch into parallel paths, current can split, which is why this same-path behavior is a distinct feature of series circuits.

In a series circuit there is only one path for current, so the same amount of charge must flow through every component in that path. That means the current through each component is identical. The value of that current is set by the supply voltage and the total resistance of the series chain (I = V / R_total). If you add or change a component, the total resistance changes and the overall current changes, but the current through each component remains the same. The voltage drops across the components can be different, proportional to each component’s resistance, and together they add up to the source voltage. In contrast, when circuits branch into parallel paths, current can split, which is why this same-path behavior is a distinct feature of series circuits.