In a series circuit, how do you calculate total resistance?

In a series circuit, the total resistance is calculated by simply adding the individual resistances together. This is because, in a series configuration, the same current flows through each resistor. The total resistance encountered by the current is the sum of the resistances, which is represented by the formula:

[ R_{total} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 + ... + R_n ]

This additive property means that each resistor contributes to the overall opposition to current flow. As a result, when you accumulate the resistance values, you obtain the total resistance that affects the circuit as a whole.

While multiplying individual resistances or dividing total voltage by total current are valid operations in different contexts, such as finding equivalent resistance in parallel circuits or calculating total current, respectively, they do not apply to series circuits for calculating total resistance. Thus, only the addition method is valid in this case.