Components share the same current and voltages add.
In series, elements share one current and voltages add: R_total=R₁+R₂+…. One break stops the whole circuit. Voltage divides in proportion to resistance.
Resistors of 100 Ω and 200 Ω in series total 300 Ω.
Series circuits share one current path, which explains why a single broken component can stop an entire string of lights.
Components share the same current and voltages add.
Series circuits share one current path, which explains why a single broken component can stop an entire string of lights.
The sum of the individual resistances, and the current is the same in every element.
Kirchhoff's voltage law says the voltages around a loop must sum to zero, so the supply voltage is shared among the elements.
Typical applications include connecting several sensors in a current loop, dividing a supply voltage across a voltage reference chain and understanding why old light strings failed when one bulb blew.
Study "Energy and kilowatt-hours" first (topic 7 of 106 in Electrical Engineering). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
Used in strings of lamps and voltage dividers. Series fuse protects the circuit. Total R is larger than any part.
Resistors of 100 Ω and 200 Ω in series total 300 Ω.
The next topic is "Parallel circuits", which builds directly on this one.
It is classed as Beginner in Electrical Engineering (topic 8 of 106). It is an entry-level topic. It relies only on basic school mathematics and the ideas introduced earlier in this discipline.
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