Question

Find the expression for the resistors connected in series and write the two characteristics of it. (Draw figure).

Answer 1

Expression for the resistors in series:

R1, R2 and R3 are the three resistors connected in series between points C and D as shown in the figure above. I is the current and V is the PD across points

C and D.

Rs is the effective resistance in a circuit, and V1, V2 and V3 are the potentials across the three resistors such that
V = V1 + V2 + V3 ---- (1)

Using Ohm’s law, the total potential difference
V = I R_s
and V₁ = IR₁, V₂ = IR₂ and V₃ = IR₃

Substituting these values in Equation 1, we get

IRs = IR₁ + IR₂ + IR₃
∴ Rs = R₁ + R₂ + R₃
For n number of resistors connected in series,
Rs = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ + R₄ + ----- + R_n

Characteristics of a series combination of resistors:
a) The same current flows through each resistor.
b) The effective resistance of the combination is greater than any of the resistances in the combination.
c) The effective resistance of the combination is equal to the sum of individual resistors.