Question

which statement correctly describes the current in a circuit that is made up of any two resistors connected in series with a battery?

a. the current in the battery and in each resistor is the same.
b. the current in the battery is less than the current in either resistor.
c. the current in the battery equals the sum of the currents in the resistors.
d. the current in the battery equals the product of the currents in the resistors.

Explanation:

In a series - connected circuit, the current has only one path to flow. According to the principle of current in a series circuit, the current is the same throughout the entire series circuit. That is, the current in the battery (which is part of the circuit's current path) and in each resistor (as they are in series) is identical.

• Option B: In a series circuit, the current in the battery is not less than the current in the resistors. Since it's a single - path series circuit, the current is uniform.
• Option C: In a series circuit, the current in the battery is not the sum of the currents in the resistors. The sum formula \(I = I_1+I_2+\cdots+I_n\) is for parallel circuits.
• Option D: The current in the battery is not the product of the currents in the resistors. There is no such physical relationship in a series circuit.

Answer:

A. The current in the battery and in each resistor is the same.