In a series circuit, how is total resistance calculated?

In a series circuit, the total resistance is calculated by summing the individual resistances connected in that circuit. This is because the current flowing through each resistor remains the same, so the total opposition to the flow of current is simply the total of each resistor's resistance.

This can be understood through the formula:

[ R_{total} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 + ... + R_n ]

where ( R_1, R_2, R_3, ... ) represent the resistances of each component in the series. Each resistor adds to the total resistance of the circuit, leading to a higher total resistance than any single resistor alone.

In contrast, other methods of calculating resistance, such as taking the minimum or product of the resistances, do not apply to series circuits. The idea that the total resistance would be the minimum of the individual resistances might apply in parallel circuits, where the total resistance is indeed lower than any individual resistance. The concept of the product of resistances applies to certain circuit configurations but not to series. Moreover, the total resistance does not vary with the current flowing through; instead, it remains fixed based on the resistors in the circuit configuration.

Thus,