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In a series circuit containing three resistors, what happens to the total resistance if the value of one resistor is increased while the others remain constant?
Total resistance increases
Total resistance decreases
Total resistance remains unchanged
Total resistance becomes zero
Total resistance increases
In a series circuit, the total resistance is the algebraic sum of all individual resistances. When one resistor's value increases, the cumulative total resistance of the circuit also increases proportionally.
In a series circuit, the total resistance is the algebraic sum of all individual resistances. When one resistor's value increases, the cumulative total resistance of the circuit also increases proportionally.
Think of a series circuit like a line of toll booths on a highway; if you increase the toll amount at any one booth, the total cost for the entire trip through all booths increases.
SERIES: Sum Equals Resistors In Every Section
ReqтАЛ=R1тАЛ+R2тАЛ+R3тАЛ+тЛп+RnтАЛ тАФ The equivalent resistance for resistors in series
According to Ohm's Law and the properties of series circuits, the total resistance ReqтАЛ is defined as the sum R1тАЛ+R2тАЛ+R3тАЛ. Since current flows through every component sequentially, any increase in the opposition to current flow (RiтАЛ) at any point in the path adds directly to the total opposition, thereby increasing the equivalent resistance of the entire loop.
The total resistance in series is always greater than the largest individual resistor.
Current remains constant throughout a series circuit, but voltage divides across resistors.
Adding more resistors in series increases the total resistance and reduces the total current for a constant voltage supply.
Simple to design and construct.
Allows for a uniform distribution of current through all components.
If one component fails (open circuit), the entire circuit stops working.
Higher total resistance leads to lower current efficiency.
Decorative string lights (if they are wired in series).
Voltage dividers in electronic circuits.
In parallel circuits, the inverse of total resistance is the sum of the inverses: RpтАЛ1тАЛ=R1тАЛ1тАЛ+R2тАЛ1тАЛ+тАж.
Option B is incorrect because total resistance only decreases when adding resistors in parallel or replacing a resistor with a lower value one.
A is correct тАФ The equivalent resistance of a series circuit is the simple arithmetic sum of its individual resistances; therefore, increasing any single resistance value increases the total sum.
Always remember that in series, the total resistance increases when you add more components, whereas in parallel, the total resistance decreases when you add more branches.