Series resistors

You are unlikely to encounter a circuit with just one power supply and two resistors in your exam. However, you can simplify any series resistors to just one combined resistor within a more complicated circuit.

Remember that you can annotate a circuit diagram (or sketch simplified versions) as you go through a problem. 


Summary

The current in a series section of a circuit is constant. Therefore, the current through each series resistor is the same. The potential differences across the resistors sum: \(V_T=V_1+V_2+...\).

This means that the resistance of the combination is the sum of the individual resistors: 

\(R_T=R_1+R_2+...\)

NB: Many students believe that current should get 'used up' around the circuit. How could you amend this statement?

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Use quizzes to practise application of theory. 


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