When resistors are connected in series, how does the total resistance compare to individual resistances?

• A. Total resistance is less than the smallest resistor
• B. Total resistance is equal to the sum of individual resistances
• C. Total resistance is the average of the resistances
• D. Total resistance is equal to the largest resistor

Answer: (B)

When resistors are connected in series, the total resistance is equal to the sum of the individual resistances because each resistor adds its own resistance to the overall circuit. In a series circuit, the same current flows through each resistor one after the other, so the total opposition to the flow of that current is the sum of all resistors present in the series.

For example, if you have three resistors with values of 2 ohms, 3 ohms, and 5 ohms connected in series, the total resistance would be calculated as 2 + 3 + 5, resulting in a total of 10 ohms. This characteristic of series resistors is crucial in circuit design and analysis, as it directly affects how circuits behave under different conditions.