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In a series circuit, if the resistance of one resistor R2 is increased, what happens to the total current in the circuit, assuming a constant voltage source?
It increases
It decreases
It remains constant
It becomes zero
It decreases
In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of all individual resistances (RtotalтАЛ=R1тАЛ+R2тАЛ). When the resistance of one resistor (R2тАЛ) is increased, the total equivalent resistance of the circuit also increases, causing the total current to decrease according to Ohm's law.
In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of all individual resistances (RtotalтАЛ=R1тАЛ+R2тАЛ). When the resistance of one resistor (R2тАЛ) is increased, the total equivalent resistance of the circuit also increases, causing the total current to decrease according to Ohm's law.
Think of a series circuit like a single-lane road with toll booths. If you increase the friction or narrow the path at one toll booth (R2тАЛ), the overall flow of traffic (current) slows down across the entire route.
Series Same Current, Voltage Splits (SSCSVS): In series, current is constant across elements, but if total resistance goes up, that constant current value drops.
RtotalтАЛ=R1тАЛ+R2тАЛ+R3тАЛ тАФ Total resistance in a series circuit
I=RtotalтАЛVтАЛ тАФ Ohm's law relating current, voltage, and total resistance
According to Ohm's Law, current is inversely proportional to resistance for a constant voltage source (I=RtotalтАЛVтАЛ). As R2тАЛ increases, RtotalтАЛ increases, which directly results in a lower current flowing through the entire series loop.
Total resistance in a series circuit is the algebraic sum of individual resistances.
The current remains the same through all components in a single-path series circuit.
Increasing any single resistance increases the overall equivalent resistance.
Voltage dividers in electronic circuits
Fuses and protective circuit breakers designed to respond to current changes
Constant voltage implies V remains unchanged while R increases.
Option A is incorrect because increasing resistance reduces current, not increases it.
Option C is incorrect because total resistance changes, altering the current.
Option D is incorrect because current drops but does not fall to zero unless the circuit is broken (infinite resistance).
B is correct тАФ The total current decreases because the total equivalent resistance of the series circuit increases while the voltage remains constant.
Always remember that in series combinations, adding or increasing resistors reduces the circuit current, whereas in parallel combinations, adding branches decreases total equivalent resistance and increases total current.
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