A series circuit is an electrical circuit configuration in which multiple components, such as resistors, are connected in a linear sequence, forming a single path for the current to flow. In a series circuit, the same current flows through all the components, as there is only one pathway for the electric charge to travel.
When resistances are connected in series, their values add up to determine the total resistance of the circuit. Mathematically, the total resistance (R_total) in a series circuit can be calculated by summing the individual resistances (R1, R2, R3, and so on) of the components:
R_total = R1 + R2 + R3 + ...
In other words, if you have multiple resistors connected in series, the total resistance is simply the sum of their individual resistances. As a result, the total resistance in a series circuit is always greater than the resistance of any individual component. This is because the electric current encounters each resistor in succession, leading to a cumulative hindrance to the flow of electrons, which results in an increased overall resistance for the circuit.