An electric circuit is the combination of a number of sources and loads that are connected together in certain configuration.
Two or more than two resistors are said to be in series if they are connected at a single point and there are no other electrical connections at that point.
The figure below displays two resistors R1 and R2 in series
Remember, for two resistors to be in series, they should share a common node (Here red) and no other component should be connected there.
Given below is another series circuit containing a voltage source and two series resistors:
Here R1 and R2 are connected in series to a voltage sources. (Node point excluded for simplicity). Still it is a series circuit.
Contents
How to Solve Resistors in Series
Series resistors are simply added to determine the overall equivalent resistance.
Two or more than two resistors can be simply replaced by a single resistor whose resistance is sum of all individual resistors.
Let’s Solve an example to better understand this.
Series Circuits Example
Example: Two resistors of 5 and 10 Ω are connected in series. Find the equivalent resistance.
Solution:
Ohm’s Law and Series Circuits
Ohm’s Law is a Fundamental Electrical Engineering law. A combined application of Ohm’s law and series circuit formula can be used for doing circuit analysis on series circuits.
One such application from Ohm Law lecture slides is given hereby. Download Complete slides here
Features of a Series Circuit
- Current always remains the same series
- Voltage always divides in series
- Power is additive
A brief comparison of Series and Parallel circuits in provided below for the sake of understanding.
