We have sent an OTP to your contact. Please enter it below to verify.
Alert
Your message here...
Your notification message here...
For any questions or assistance regarding Customer Support, Sales Inquiries, Technical Support, or General Inquiries, our AI-powered team is here to help!
In circuits with resistors connected in series, the current remains constant through each resistor, while the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances. The section illustrates key concepts through interactive activities and provides mathematical relationships derived from Ohm’s Law.
In a series circuit, multiple resistors are connected end-to-end, causing the same current to flow through each resistor. This characteristic means that the total resistance in the circuit is equal to the sum of the individual resistances: R_total = R_1 + R_2 + R_3. Activities in the section demonstrate how the current remains unchanged regardless of its position in the circuit, and how the potential difference across the combination results in a symmetrical distribution of voltage across each resistor. By applying Ohm’s Law, we derive the total current using the equivalent resistance of the series circuit.
Current: The flow of electric charge through a conductor.
Voltage: The potential difference that drives current through a circuit.
Resistance: The opposition to current flow within a circuit.
Ohm's Law: The relationship governing voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit.
Total Resistance in Series: The total resistance is equal to the sum of individual resistances.
In a series, the current does flow, it's the same, don't you know!
Imagine a train with different carriages – the same number of passengers (current) in each, moving through a long track (the total resistance being the sum of each carriage's resistance).
SPLAT: Series means 'Sum' of resistances leading to 'Same' current through all components.
When resistors of 2Ω, 3Ω, and 5Ω are connected in series with a 12V battery, the total resistance is 2 + 3 + 5 = 10Ω, and the current would be calculated using Ohm's Law: I = V/R = 12V/10Ω = 1.2A.
If you have a circuit with a lamp with 20Ω and a conductor of 4Ω in series with a 6V battery, the total resistance becomes 20Ω + 4Ω = 24Ω, resulting in a current of 0.25A.
Term: Current
Definition: The flow of electric charge, measured in amperes (A).
The flow of electric charge, measured in amperes (A).
Term: Voltage
Definition: The electric potential difference between two points, measured in volts (V).
The electric potential difference between two points, measured in volts (V).
Term: Resistance
Definition: The opposition to the flow of current in a conductor, measured in ohms (Ω).
The opposition to the flow of current in a conductor, measured in ohms (Ω).
Term: Ohm's Law
Definition: A fundamental principle stating that the voltage across a resistor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it (V = IR).
A fundamental principle stating that the voltage across a resistor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it (V = IR).
Term: Equivalent Resistance
Definition: The total resistance of a circuit comprising multiple resistors, can be calculated for series as R_total = R_1 + R_2 + R_3.
The total resistance of a circuit comprising multiple resistors, can be calculated for series as R_total = R_1 + R_2 + R_3.