In a series circuit, the total resistance is equal to what?

In a series circuit, the total resistance is indeed calculated as the sum of the individual resistor values. When resistors are connected in series, the current flowing through each resistor is the same, while the voltage is divided across each resistor based on its resistance value. This means that each resistor contributes to the overall resistance of the circuit, and thus, to find the total resistance, you simply add up the resistance values of each resistor in the series.

This additive property arises because, with every additional resistor placed in series, the path for current flow becomes more restricted, which increases the total resistance. The formula used for calculating total resistance in a series circuit is:

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

where ( R_1, R_2, R_3, ... ) are the resistance values of the individual resistors. This fundamental understanding allows one to calculate the total resistance effectively, facilitating further analysis of the circuit, such as determining total current when voltage is applied.