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Resistors in Series

Author: E.E. Kimberly

If two or more resistors be connected in series, the current will be the same in all. The voltage drop across each resistor is the product of the resistance of that resistor and the current; and the

Fig. 3-3. Resistors in Series

voltage drop across the whole circuit is the sum of the voltage drops across the individual resistors. In the circuit in Fig. 3-3, for example,

V = R1I + R2I + R3I + R4I
or    V = I(R1 + R2 + R3 + R4)

In a series circuit the applied voltage is divided among the various resistance parts of the circuit in proportion to their respective resistances.

Example 3-2. - Connected in series to a 230-volt line are four resistors having the following resistances: R1 = 50 ohms, R2 = 10 ohms, R3=15 ohms, R4 = 40 ohms. Find the voltage drop across each resistor.

Solution. - The total resistance is

ee_001-32.png

Then the voltage drops are:

ee_001-33.png



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Last Update: 2010-10-06