Question

How does the equivalent resistance of a series circuit compare to the resistance values of the individual resistances in the circuit?

Answer 1

Answer: Higher value

Explanation:

In series circuit, the resistance of all the components adds up. If the resistance of individual component is R₁, R₂, R₃,...

Equivalent resistance for a series circuit is

R = R₁ + R₂+ R₃ +...

From Ohm's Law,

The current in series circuit is I = V R where R is equivalent resistance, V is the net voltage.

Voltage drop across each component is V₁, V₂,V₃,..

V₁ = I R₁

V₂ = I R₂

V₃ = I R₃

I R = I R₁ + I R₂+ I R₃ +...

⇒ R = R₁ + R₂+ R₃ +...

Thus, the equivalent resistance of a series circuit is greater than the individual resistances.

Answer 2

The equivalent resistance of a series circuit compared to the resistance values of the individual resistances in the circuit has a higher value. The equivalent resistance of a series circuit is calculated as the sum of all the individual resistances which gives it a larger value that the individual. Hope this helps.