Question

multiple choice question
the total resistance in a series circuit of resistors is equal to
o the resistance of the greatest resistor in the series
o the resistance of the weakest resistor in the series
o the product of all the resistors in the series
o the sum of all the resistors in the series
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Explanation:

In a series circuit, the total resistance \(R_{total}\) is calculated by adding up the individual resistances. If we have resistors \(R_1\), \(R_2\), \(R_3,\cdots,R_n\) in series, then \(R_{total}=R_1 + R_2+R_3+\cdots+R_n\).

• The first option (the resistance of the greatest resistor) is wrong because other resistors also contribute to the total resistance.
• The second option (the resistance of the weakest resistor) is wrong as it ignores the other resistors.
• The third option (the product of all resistors) is incorrect. The formula for resistors in parallel (a different circuit configuration) has a division - like form (\(\frac{1}{R_{total}}=\frac{1}{R_1}+\frac{1}{R_2}+\cdots+\frac{1}{R_n}\)), but for series it is addition.

Answer:

the sum of all the resistors in the series