To determine the total resistance in a series circuit, you should

To determine the total resistance in a series circuit, you should

• A. Add the resistances
• B. Multiply the resistances
• C. Take reciprocal of product
• D. Subtract the smallest resistance

Answer: (A)

In a series circuit, the same current flows through every element, so the total resistance is found by adding the individual resistances. Using Ohm’s law for each resistor, V_i = I R_i, and the total voltage is the sum of those drops: V_total = V1 + V2 + ... = I(R1 + R2 + ...). Since the current is the same through all components, the total resistance becomes R_total = R1 + R2 + ... . That’s why adding the resistances gives the total in a series arrangement. The other options don’t reflect how series circuits behave: multiplying would misrepresent how voltages add, taking a reciprocal relates to parallel configurations, and subtracting a resistance has no basis in determining total series resistance.

In a series circuit, the same current flows through every element, so the total resistance is found by adding the individual resistances. Using Ohm’s law for each resistor, V_i = I R_i, and the total voltage is the sum of those drops: V_total = V1 + V2 + ... = I(R1 + R2 + ...). Since the current is the same through all components, the total resistance becomes R_total = R1 + R2 + ... . That’s why adding the resistances gives the total in a series arrangement. The other options don’t reflect how series circuits behave: multiplying would misrepresent how voltages add, taking a reciprocal relates to parallel configurations, and subtracting a resistance has no basis in determining total series resistance.