How do you calculate total resistance in a series circuit?

In a series circuit, the total resistance is calculated by simply adding together the individual resistances of all components connected in the circuit. This principle arises from the way electricity flows in a series arrangement; the current must pass through each resistor sequentially, and the total opposition to the current is the sum of all resistances.

For instance, if there are resistors R1, R2, and R3 in series, the total resistance, R_total, can be expressed mathematically as R1 + R2 + R3. This relationship highlights that in a series circuit, each additional resistor increases the total resistance, impacting the overall current flowing through the circuit according to Ohm's law.

Understanding this principle is essential for analyzing circuits correctly, ensuring proper functioning in applications such as circuit design and troubleshooting. In contrast, the other options presented do not reflect the correct method for summing resistances in a series circuit.