Why is the current the same in resistors connected in series?

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SUMMARY

When resistors are connected in series, the current remains constant across all resistors, regardless of their individual resistance values. This is due to the principle of conservation of charge, which states that the same amount of charge must flow through each component in a series circuit. For example, in a circuit with a 2R resistor and a 9R resistor, the current flowing through both resistors is identical. The analogy of water flowing through a hose illustrates this concept, as the same volume of water must pass through each section of the hose, regardless of any constrictions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law
  • Basic knowledge of electrical circuits
  • Familiarity with the concept of series circuits
  • Concept of charge conservation in electrical systems
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  • Study the implications of Ohm's Law in series circuits
  • Explore the concept of voltage drop across resistors in series
  • Learn about Kirchhoff's laws and their application in circuit analysis
  • Investigate the differences between series and parallel resistor configurations
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This discussion is beneficial for electrical engineering students, educators teaching circuit theory, and hobbyists interested in understanding basic electronics principles.

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Homework Statement



Hi. This isn't exactly a homework question but a concept question. So when resistors are connected in series, I know that I total= I1=I2=I3...etc...

but if the resistors are different i don't understand how the current can be the same, even if they are in series...

like, if you have a 2R resistor and a 9R resistor, connected in series, why would the current through each resistor be the same? Why wouldn't the current be less for the 9R resistor? I thought greater resistance meant less current!

i just DON'T understand!

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Tell me, if you turn on the water to your hose and let it all flow out, how much water is flowing out then compared to if you put a little kink in it? Think about it a little, and after that listen to what I have to say. The answer is that is, of course, the same amount of water comes out in both cases. When the water goes through that little kink there might be a little more power in the water because it is forced to go through such a small space, too much of a kink and the hose might even burst. In the end, however, the same amount of water that was there before the kink has to still be there after. Where would it go otherwise? It's the same with the resistors connected in series. Instead of a flow of water, you have a flow of electrons. The electrons might prefer to go through the 2R resistor than the 9R resistor, but they really don't have any choice because they have to go through both regardless.
 

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