In a series circuit, the total resistance equals the sum of the resistances. True or False?

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Study for the AAMI Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In a series circuit, the total resistance equals the sum of the resistances. True or False?

Explanation:
In a series circuit, the same current flows through every component, so each resistor drops voltage proportional to its resistance. The drops add up to the total voltage: V_total = V1 + V2 + ... = I(R1 + R2 + ...). Since the total resistance is defined by V_total = I R_total, it follows that R_total = R1 + R2 + ... . So the total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of the individual resistances, regardless of whether the resistors are identical. This contrasts with parallel circuits, where 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ... .

In a series circuit, the same current flows through every component, so each resistor drops voltage proportional to its resistance. The drops add up to the total voltage: V_total = V1 + V2 + ... = I(R1 + R2 + ...). Since the total resistance is defined by V_total = I R_total, it follows that R_total = R1 + R2 + ... . So the total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of the individual resistances, regardless of whether the resistors are identical. This contrasts with parallel circuits, where 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ... .

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