resistanceinseries

Resistance in series, sometimes referred to as resistanceinseries, describes an arrangement where resistors are connected end to end so that the same current flows through each component. In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances, and the same current passes through all resistors.

The current is the same through every resistor, while the voltages across the resistors add to the supply voltage. For resistors Ri connected in series, the total resistance is R_eq = sum Ri. With a voltage source V, the current is I = V / R_eq, and the voltage across each resistor is Vi = I Ri.

Practical implications include that the total resistance increases as resistors are added in series, which reduces the current for a fixed supply. If one resistor fails open, the circuit is broken and current flow stops.

Example: Three resistors of 2 Ω, 3 Ω, and 5 Ω in series connected to a 12 V source yield R_eq = 10 Ω and I = 12/10 = 1.2 A. The voltages are V1 = 2.4 V, V2 = 3.6 V, and V3 = 6.0 V.

Power considerations: The total power dissipated is P = I^2 R_eq = V I. Each resistor dissipates P_i = I^2 R_i. Resistance in series is a foundational concept in circuit analysis and is commonly used in voltage-divider applications and in controlling current through multiple components.