Final answer:
In a series circuit, the current is constant for every resistor, which is a key principle of series circuits in physics. The equivalent resistance of a series is the sum of all individual resistances, and the current through the circuit is the applied voltage divided by this equivalent resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
For resistors in series, the current is the same for each resistor. This is a fundamental concept in electric circuits where resistors are connected in such a way that there is only one path for the charges to flow through. As a result, each resistor in a series circuit has the same amount of current flowing through it. It's important to note that, although the current is constant through each resistor, the voltage drop across each resistor can vary based on its resistance, and the total voltage drop is the sum of all individual drops through the resistors. Conversely, when resistors are connected in parallel, each resistor has the same voltage drop across it, but the current divides among the parallel branches.
Resistors in Series
The equivalent resistance of resistors in series is calculated by the algebraic sum of the individual resistances, represented by the formula Rtotal = R1 + R2 + ... + RN, where Rtotal is the total resistance of the circuit, and R1 through RN are the resistances of the N resistors in series. The formula for the current through the series circuit is given by I = V / Rtotal, where I is the current, V is the applied voltage, and Rtotal is the equivalent resistance of the series connection.