Simple Series Circuit Question

In summary, the current is the same everywhere in a series circuit because there is only one path for the current to flow through and the total resistance regulates the current. This means that the voltage drop by each resistor may vary, but the current remains constant in the wire and through each resistor. In the steady state, the current is forced to flow through each resistor equally, even if the resistors have different levels of resistance.
  • #1
Ed Quanta
297
0
Why is current the same everywhere in a series circuit? If we have a series circuit with a 10 ohm resistor and a 15 ohm resistor, how is the current flowing through each resistor the same if they are resisting the flow of electrons to different degrees? How is the current in the wire which has even less resistance also equal to the current in the resistor?
 
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  • #2
The simple answer is that there is only one path for the current to flow through. The total resistance is what would regulate the current.

It would be the voltage drop by each resistor that would vary according to the value of the resistors.
 
  • #3
Let's begin saying that, only in the steady state, the current is the same.

Imagine that the 10 ohms resistor "refuses let pass the current coming from the 15 ohms resistor". The charges will cumulate and the voltage will grow so high that the current will be "forced" through the 10 resistor (even against its will). The charges stop growing or decreasing when the current is the same in the two resistors.
 

1. What is a simple series circuit?

A simple series circuit is a circuit that has only one path for the flow of electric current. The components in this circuit are connected in a series, meaning that the current flows from one component to the next without any branches or parallel connections.

2. What are the components of a simple series circuit?

The components of a simple series circuit include a power source, such as a battery, an electrical load, such as a light bulb, and connecting wires that form a complete loop.

3. How does current flow in a simple series circuit?

In a simple series circuit, current flows from the positive terminal of the power source, through each component in the circuit, and back to the negative terminal of the power source. This creates a continuous loop of electricity.

4. What happens to the current and voltage in a simple series circuit?

In a simple series circuit, the current remains constant throughout the circuit, while the voltage decreases as it passes through each component. This relationship is known as Ohm's Law, which states that current (I) is equal to voltage (V) divided by resistance (R).

5. Can you add more components to a simple series circuit?

Yes, you can add more components to a simple series circuit as long as they are connected in a series. However, adding more components can increase the overall resistance in the circuit, which can decrease the current and affect the brightness of the light bulb.

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