What is the relationship among resistors in a series circuit?

In a series circuit, the relationship among resistors is defined by the total resistance being the sum of the individual resistances. When resistors are connected in series, the current flowing through each resistor is the same, but the voltage across each resistor can differ based on its resistance. The total resistance can be determined by simply adding the resistance values of each resistor.

For example, if there are three resistors with resistances R1, R2, and R3, the total resistance (R_total) in the series is calculated as R_total = R1 + R2 + R3. This additive property is a fundamental concept of series circuits, making the total resistance greater than any individual resistor in the circuit. This means that the characteristics of the circuit are directly affected by the presence of each additional resistor, increasing the total opposition to the flow of current.

Other options do not accurately describe the behavior of resistors in series. For example, resistors don't divide the resistance equally, nor are they independent of one another, and they do not serve to increase the overall voltage in the circuit, as voltage is determined by the power source rather than the resistors’ arrangement. Therefore, the summation of resistances characterizes resistors in