How do you calculate total resistance in a series circuit?
1 Answer
In a series circuit, the total resistance (RT) is the sum of the individual resistances (R1, R2, R3, ..., Rn) of all the components connected in series. The formula to calculate the total resistance in a series circuit is:
RT = R1 + R2 + R3 + ... + Rn
In other words, you add up all the resistance values of the components in the circuit to find the total resistance. This is because the current in a series circuit remains the same throughout, and the voltage drops across each component add up to the total voltage supplied by the source.
For example, if you have a series circuit with three resistors R1 = 10 ohms, R2 = 20 ohms, and R3 = 30 ohms, the total resistance would be:
RT = 10 ohms + 20 ohms + 30 ohms = 60 ohms
Keep in mind that in a series circuit, the total resistance will always be greater than the highest individual resistance in the circuit, as you are effectively adding more resistance in the path of the current.
RT = R1 + R2 + R3 + ... + Rn
In other words, you add up all the resistance values of the components in the circuit to find the total resistance. This is because the current in a series circuit remains the same throughout, and the voltage drops across each component add up to the total voltage supplied by the source.
For example, if you have a series circuit with three resistors R1 = 10 ohms, R2 = 20 ohms, and R3 = 30 ohms, the total resistance would be:
RT = 10 ohms + 20 ohms + 30 ohms = 60 ohms
Keep in mind that in a series circuit, the total resistance will always be greater than the highest individual resistance in the circuit, as you are effectively adding more resistance in the path of the current.