Resistors in Series

Resistors in series are multiple resistors connected end-to-end in a circuit, such that the current flowing through one resistor passes through each subsequent resistor in a sequential manner.  In a series configuration, the resistors share the same current while having a cumulative effect on the total resistance of the circuit.

One of the important properties of resistors in series is that the total resistance increases compared to the resistance of any individual resistor.   This is because the resistors are effectively placed in line, and the current has to pass through each resistor sequentially, encountering the resistance of each one.  As a result, the overall resistance of the series combination is higher than that of any individual resistor.

Another key characteristic of resistors in series is that the total voltage across the combination is divided among the resistors based on their individual resistance values.  The voltage drop across each resistor is proportional to its resistance according to Ohm's Law.  This property can be utilized in voltage dividers and circuit designs where different voltage levels are required across different resistors.

Additionally, the total current flowing through the series combination is the same as the current flowing through each individual resistor since they are connected in a series path.  It's important to consider power dissipation when connecting resistors in series.  Each resistor will dissipate power based on its individual resistance, and the total power dissipated in the series combination.  Resistors in series are commonly used in various applications, such as voltage dividers, current sensing circuits, and load balancing configurations.

 

Resistors in Series formula
\(R_t \;=\; R_1  +  R_2  +  R_3 \; + ...  + \; R_n \)
Symbol	English	Metric
\(R_t\) = Total Resistance	\(\Omega\)	\(kg-m^2\;/\;s^3-A^2\)
\(R_1, R_2, R_3, R_n\) = Resistance	\(\Omega\)	\(kg-m^2\;/\;s^3-A^2\)