How is the total resistance calculated for resistors connected in series?

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Multiple Choice

How is the total resistance calculated for resistors connected in series?

Explanation:
In series, the same current flows through every resistor, and the voltage drops across each add up. Each resistor drops a voltage of V_i = I × R_i, so the total voltage is V_total = I(R_1 + R_2 + …). Since total resistance is defined as R_total = V_total / I, you get R_total = R_1 + R_2 + … This is why you simply add the resistances when they’re in a series chain. For example, 4 Ω and 6 Ω in series give 10 Ω total. The other forms apply to different arrangements: parallel uses 1/R_total = 1/R_1 + 1/R_2 + …, and averaging isn’t the correct approach for combining resistances.

In series, the same current flows through every resistor, and the voltage drops across each add up. Each resistor drops a voltage of V_i = I × R_i, so the total voltage is V_total = I(R_1 + R_2 + …). Since total resistance is defined as R_total = V_total / I, you get R_total = R_1 + R_2 + … This is why you simply add the resistances when they’re in a series chain. For example, 4 Ω and 6 Ω in series give 10 Ω total. The other forms apply to different arrangements: parallel uses 1/R_total = 1/R_1 + 1/R_2 + …, and averaging isn’t the correct approach for combining resistances.

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