Series circuit

Definition

A series circuit is an electrical circuit in which components are connected end-to-end, such that the same current flows through each component. The total resistance of the circuit is the sum of the individual resistances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a series circuit, if one component fails, the entire circuit is interrupted.
2. The total voltage across a series circuit is equal to the sum of the voltages across each component.
3. The current flowing through each resistor in a series circuit is identical.
4. Ohm's Law ($V = IR$) applies to individual resistors and to the entire series circuit.
5. The equivalent resistance in a series circuit can be found using $R_{total} = R_1 + R_2 + ... + R_n$.

Review Questions

• What happens to the total resistance when you add more resistors in a series circuit?
• How does current behave in all components of a series circuit?
• If one resistor in a series circuit fails, what happens to the overall functionality of the circuit?

Related terms

Parallel Circuit: An electrical circuit where components are connected across common points or junctions, providing multiple paths for current.

Equivalent Resistance:

The single resistance that can replace multiple resistances without changing the overall properties of a given electrical network.

$V = IR$ (Ohm's Law): $V = IR$ expresses that voltage ($V$) across a resistor is equal to the product of its resistance ($R$) and the current ($I$) flowing through it.