Question

In a series circuit, how does the current change in different resistors?

Answer 1

In a series circuit, the current remains the same throughout all the resistors. This is one of the fundamental properties of a series circuit. When components (such as resistors) are connected in series, they form a single pathway for the flow of electric current.

The reason the current is the same in all resistors is based on the conservation of charge. In a series circuit, the same amount of current passes through each component because the flow of charge is constant throughout the circuit. This is similar to water flowing through a series of pipes connected end-to-end; the same amount of water flows through each pipe.

Mathematically, you can express this relationship using Ohm's law. Ohm's law states that the current (I) flowing through a resistor is equal to the voltage (V) applied across the resistor divided by its resistance (R):

I = V / R

Since the voltage across each resistor in a series circuit is the same (equal to the total voltage of the source), and the resistors are connected one after another, the current is the same through each resistor.

For example, if you have a series circuit with three resistors in a row and a battery as the voltage source, the current flowing through each resistor will be the same as the current flowing from the battery through the entire circuit. This means that the total current flowing into the first resistor will be equal to the total current flowing out of the last resistor.

It's essential to understand this property of a series circuit when calculating values like voltage drops or total resistance in the circuit. The total resistance in a series circuit is simply the sum of the individual resistances, and the current remains constant throughout the entire circuit.