Answer:
(c) The current in each resistor is the same.
Explanation:
When two resistors are connected in series, we have the following:
- The resistors are connected such that the current passing through the two resistors is the same
- The voltage of the battery is equal to the sum of the voltage drops across each resistor
- the equivalent resistance of the circuit is equal to the sum of the individual resistances:
R = R1 + R2
So, let's analyze each statement:
(a) The resistor with the smaller resistance carries more current than the other resistor. --> FALSE. The current through the two resistors is the same.
(b) The resistor with the larger resistance carries less current than the other resistor. --> FALSE. The current through the two resistors is the same.
(c) The current in each resistor is the same. --> TRUE.
(d) The potential difference across each resistor is the same. --> FALSE: the potential difference across each resistor is given by
V=RI
where I (the current) is the same for both resistors, while R (the resistance) is not, so V is also different for the two resistors.
(e) The potential difference is greatest across the resistor closest to the positive terminal --> FALSE. According to
V=RI
the potential difference depends only on the value of the resistance, so it doesn't matter which resistor is connected to the positive terminal.
